LIPOSUCTION FOR LYMPHODEMA
LIPOSUCTION FOR LYMPHODEMA
Swelling of the limbs in patients with longstanding lymphoedema is not always due to increased fluid build-up. Long-standing lymphatic fluid stasis in the tissues can result in the deposition of fat. There are many postulated theories for why this occurs.In these patients, surgical techniques which address the re-routing of lymphatic fluid, are not appropriate. This fact must be appreciated.In these patients, surgical techniques which address the re-routing of lymphatic fluid, are not appropriate. This fact must be appreciated.
Description
In these patients, surgical techniques which address the re-routing of lymphatic fluid, are not appropriate. This fact must be appreciated. These patients need to be treated appropriately with an aggressive form of liposuction to address the lymphoedema.
Clinically, this may be suspected in patients who have failed to progress with conservative techniques such as complete decongestion therapy and controlled compression therapy and who have non-pitting swelling of the limbs.
Radiologically investigating using Magnetic Resonance Scanning (MRI) is essential to verify this. Also, in these patients a lymphoscintigraphy would be useful as a baseline investigation in mapping the lymphatic draining and studying the lymphatic function.
This operation was pioneered by Professor Hakan Brorson in Sweden. It is carried out under general anaesthetic with an in-patient hospital stay of 4-5 days. The operation lasts for 3-4 hours depending on the excess volume of the limb.
Preoperatively, the patients are seen by the lymphoedema physiotherapist and assessed again and measured for a post-operative compression garment. The procedure is done with a limb tourniquet and is carried out with a power-assisted liposuction machine through multiple tiny stabs wounds on the skin.The procedure is carried out in a controlled manner on segments of the limb from distally to proximally. Frequent measurements are taken during the operation to ensure a satisfactory result. Once the liposuction is completed to a satisfactory result, the compression garment is fitted on the patient by the lymphoedema physiotherapist whilst still under the anaesthetic.
The garment is removed on day 2 post-op and a new one fitted. The patient is discharged after day 4 post-op.
All the measurements pre- and post-op are done in a strict and standardised manner and recorded for audit purposes.
This technique is the most successful in treating lymphoedema with the potential to result in near-complete reduction of the excess volume. However, patients who have had this procedure would need to wear the compression garments for life.
Anna Lucci
Dr Oudit is absolutely GREAT! I had two procedures with him and the results are amazing! He is a fantastic doctor, very professional, very honest and moreover a very good person! He made me feel very comfortable since the first day I met him, I had the impression I was talking to a friend! If you need cosmetic surgery, do not look any further, he is the best! Thank you so much Dr Oudit and see you soon!
Cathie Riddell
I made a decision to have my left ear pinned back because it was very prominent. I made an approach to the local BMI hospital and was given an appointment to consult with Mr Deemish. He explained the procedure to me and I left the consultation happy and confident that he would do a great job. Two weeks after the consultation I had the opertation. The operation was performed under a local anaesthetic, I did not feel anything apart from the injection. My ear was dressed and my head wrapped in a bandage, I had to keep this one for one week. I had mild pain and discomfort but was able to control that with paracetamol. When the nurse removed the bandage and dressing to reveal the result I was amazed and delighted with the result. It is now three weeks since the operation and I have no pain or discomfort. My ear looks “normal” and I am really pleased. Thank you Mr Oudit.
Claudia Skillen
Absolutely amazing, I showed Dr. Oudit what I was looking to achieve in my body and he gave me better! Honestly couldn’t recommend more, thank you for everything! 🙂