Lymphedema Treatment | Vascular Institute of the Rockies

What is lymphedema? 

Lymphedema is edema, or swelling, due to obstruction or destruction of lymphatic vessels or  lymph nodes. The lymphatic system functions to return fluids to the heart, allow large  molecules like hormones and fats to enter the blood, and participate in detecting and  destroying infected and cancerous cells. When there is a disruption in this system the excess  fluid remains in the extracellular space which causes swelling. 

Who is at risk of lymphedema? 

Lymphedema is rarely caused by congenital abnormalities in lymphatic vessels. Most often it is  caused by secondary mechanisms such as: 

• Tumors 

• Operations 

• Trauma 

• Radiation therapy 

• Infections  

Symptoms of lymphedema 

Symptoms of lymphedema typically occur in stages starting with a latent period without any  swelling and progressing to hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis) and, in serious cases,  elephantiasis (enlarged and hardened skin with significant fibrosis). Many patients will notice  signs and symptoms once reversible swelling begins. The typical symptoms include: 

• Swelling of the limbs and/or digits that is non-pitting – meaning when you push on the  site of swelling and release there is no residual indentation 

• Feeling of heaviness or tightness 

• Restricted range of motion 

• Recurring infections 

• Hardening and thickening of the skin 

What are the treatment options? 

Before treating lymphedema, it is important to rule out other vascular causes related to venous  or arterial disease as the treatment options vary significantly based on the vessel type. Once the  diagnosis of lymphedema has been made by a medical professional, treatment can be started.  Initial treatments for lymphedema are conservative in nature and include: • Compression stockings 

• Elevating the affected limb 

• Exercise 

• Management of the underlying disease (if applicable)

If conservative measures fail there are some surgical options available, but these are rarely  done, are extremely difficult due to the small size and thin walls of lymphatic vessels, and often  have poor results. The surgical options are microsurgery, where the blocked lymph vessels are  bypassed or replaced. Unfortunately in the leg, there are dozens of blocked lymph vessels in  patients who have lymphedema, and trying to “fix” numerous tiny thin walled vessels invisible  to the naked eye is often unsuccessful in reversing the edema. Conservative measures like  compression, pumps, and elevation are the mainstay of treatment, and must be continued daily  for life. Ask your doctor about what they can do to help you manage this problem.