Liposuction in Cancer‐Related Lower Extremity Lymphedema: An Investigative Study For Clinical Applications

Abstract Background: Lymphedema is a progressive, noncurable condition consisting of increases in subcutaneous fat and interstitial fluid in the limbs and fibrosis during later stages. The disease most commonly affects the limbs because of injury to or removal of lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to investigate therapeutic outcomes of liposuction for cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema.Methods: 62 patients with cancer-related lymphedema in unilateral lower extremity were recruited in this study, and all the patients underwent liposuction. The volume of hemorrhage and lipid, the operation time, and the volume changes of the affected extremity were compared by applying t-test, and the subjective feelings of patients were also assessed by applying Chi-square. Results: Total lipid volume is (2539±1253.5) ml, and the hemorrhage volume is (828±311.8) ml during liposuction. For the comparison of objective indexes, (1) Percent volume differences(PVDs) before surgery, in-operation and 3-month follow-up were (5.5±12.2 Vs. 11.6±18.4 Vs. 43.2±23.7, P＜0.05) respectively. (2) Higher lipid volume and liposuction rate for female patients, with a lower volume of hemorrhage. (3) Higher volume of hemorrhage in patients with a history of recurrent erysipelas. (4) Higher lipid volume and liposuction rate(LR), with lower hemorrhage for stage II than stage III patients. Conclusions: Liposuction is an effective therapy for cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema. Gender, stage and recurrent erysipelas history influence the course and effect of liposuction.