Lymphoedema Management

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Lymphoedema Management

Lymphoedema can be a very uncomfortable and frustrating condition to live with. The swelling and inflammation can make it difficult to move around and do the things you love.

Dr. Nilesh Satbhai has years of experience in managing lymphoedema. Dr. Nilesh offers a variety of treatment options that have been proven to improve the flow of lymph fluid and reduce swelling. Book an appointment today!

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a swelling that can develop when there is damage to the lymphatic system or disruption in lymphatic drainage. It is caused when excess lymphatic fluid collects in the body’s soft tissues, mainly in the arms or legs. It is a chronic (ongoing) condition seen mostly in people who have undergone cancer interventions, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Symptoms of lymphoedema

Some of the symptoms of lymphoedema include:

  • Swelling in legs and arms
  • Observable thickening of the skin
  • Itching or burning sensation
  • Uncomfortable fullness or heaviness
  • Puffiness of the skin

What is Lymphoedema Management?

Lymphoedema management is the process of managing and treating the symptoms of lymphoedema. The goal of treatment is to improve the flow of lymph fluid in the affected areas which will help in reducing swelling and improve the health of swollen tissue. Reducing swelling will minimize the risk of infection so that you can move your affected areas easily and more comfortably.

Who is the ideal candidate for Lymphoedema Management?

Anyone who suffers from lymphoedema can benefit from the management of the condition. Other criteria for a candidate for lymphoedema management are:

  • You do not have any underlying medical condition that may repair your healing.
  • You are a non-smoker.
  • You can cope well with your diagnosis and treatment.
  • You have a positive outlook and realistic goals for your body image.

If you fit the above criteria, you may be a good candidate for lymphoedema management.

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What to expect at the consultation for Lymphoedema Management?

During the consultation for lymphoedema management Dr. Nilesh Satbhai might ask you to get imaging tests done to look at your lymph system. Tests may include:

  • MRI scan
  • CT scan
  • Ultrasound
  • Lymphoscintigraphy: During this test, you will be injected with a radioactive dye and then scanned by a machine. The resulting scans show the dye moving through the lymph vessels, highlighting blockages.

Procedures for Lymphoedema Management

Surgical procedures

Vascularised lymph node transfer (VLND)

VLND is the procedure that involves microvascular transportation of functional lymph nodes into an extremity to store the physiological lymphatic function. There are several VLND options available which include flaps harvested from within the axillary, inguinal, or cervical lymph node basins and lymph node flaps from within the abdominal cavity.

Benefits:

Vascularised lymph node transfer has the following benefits:

  • Decreases the swelling in your affected limb.
  • Reduces pain
  • Creates new pathways for lymph fluid to drain from the affected limb.

Risks:

The potential risks of vascularised lymph node transfer include:

  • Possible delay in wound healing
  • Blood clots
  • Infection

These risks are rare and Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will treat them if they appear.

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA)

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis helps redirect excess lymphatic fluid into the venous system to prevent its recurrence and reduce the appearance of lymphoedema. During the procedure, the lymphatic vessels in the affected limb are connected to nearby veins, allowing the lymph to drain into the veins and circulate back into the rest of the body.

Benefits:

The main goal of lymphaticovenous anastomosis is to:

  • Increase comfort
  • Decrease swelling
  • Lower the need for the use of compression garments.

Risks:

The potential risks of lymphaticovenous anastomosis include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Anesthesia complications

Risks such as these are uncommon, and Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will deal with them if they appear.

Liposuction

When lymphatic fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues, it can cause inflammation and make fat stem cells grow. Dr. Nilesh Satbhai removes this extra fat that’s caused by lymphedema with liposuction .

Benefits:

The benefits of liposuction for lymphoedema management include:

  • Reduces the amount of lymphatic fluid in the affected area
  • Removes excess fat cells that have built up due to lymphoedema
  • Helps improve the appearance of the affected area

The results after liposuction are usually permanent as long as your weight remains stable.

Risks:

Some potential risks associated with liposuction for lymphoedema management include:

  • Hematoma
  • Numbness for some period in the affected areas
  • Changes in skin color in the treated areas
  • Unusual healing

However, these complications are rarely seen and can be easily treated by Board-certified surgeon Dr. Nilesh Satbhai .

Skin reduction/debulking procedures

Debulking procedure involves removing all the damaged skin and fat down to the muscle and resurfacing the area with a thin shaving of skin from another area of the body, called a skin graft. This is an extreme measure used only for the most advanced cases of lymphoedema.

Persistent accumulation of lymphatic tissue in the subcutaneous tissues causes hypercellularity, increased fat deposition, thickening of the skin, progressive fibrosis, and irreversible damage to the lymphatic vessels. If you have end-stage lymphatic disease, excisional surgical procedures will be the best for you. Large folds of skin and subcutaneous tissue can be excised, leading to improved outcomes.

Benefits:

The benefits of skin reduction/debulking procedures for lymphoedema management include:

  • Excess fat is removed from the affected area to reduce the volume
  • Increases the chance that radiotherapy or chemotherapy will kill all the tumor cells
  • Relieves symptoms

Risks:

The possible risks of skin reduction/debulking procedures for lymphoedema management include:

  • Hematoma
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Blood clots
  • Scarring

These complications are rare and can be safely treated by Dr. Nilesh Satbhai .

Non-surgical procedures for lymphoedema management

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

A very light form of skin stretching massage that helps promote the lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. It is mainly focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid.

Benefits of MLD:

  • It stimulates lymph nodes and increases rhythmic contractions of the lymphatics.
  • It is effective both as preventive and post-operative rehabilitation.
  • It increases blood flow in superficial and deep veins.

Bandages

Short stretch bandages help in reducing the swelling of soft tissue. They’re applied with adequate levels of pressure to assist in re-routing the fluid from swollen areas. When the lymph fluid is moved out of a swollen limb, it’s a good time to wear compression garments to prevent swelling from returning.

Skincare

  • Use soap-free cleansers to avoid dry skin.
  • Wash your skin with warm water.
  • Carefully dry your skin after washing to prevent fungal infections.
  • Moisturize gently every day.
  • Protect your skin from sores, burns, scratches, etc.
  • Use sunscreens before going out.

Eat healthy

  • Minimize intake of foods high in salt and fat.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat a variety of foods so that you can get all the nutrients you need.
  • Maintain your ideal body weight.
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber.
  • Eat at least 2-3 meals of fruits and 3-5 meals of vegetables in your daily meal.

What is the cost of Lymphoedema Management in Mumbai?

The cost of lymphoedema management in Mumbai will depend on the type of procedure you need and whether or not you have insurance. During the consultation, Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will go over the expected costs with you.

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How is the recovery after Lymphoedema Management?

Healing will take several weeks while the swelling decreases. You will be given some specific instructions about:

  • How to take care of your surgical site
  • Medications to apply or to take orally
  • Food to avoid
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Practicing good hygiene
  • Wearing the right kind of clothing
  • Eating healthy
Lymphoedema Management

Say Goodbye To Swelling And Discomfort With Lymphoedema Management In Mumbai

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Meet the Doctor

MBBS, MS, MCh

Dr. Nilesh Satbhai
Dr. Nilesh Satbhai is a highly experienced and skillful plastic surgeon who has dedicated his career to helping patients feel at ease with their bodies. He completed his Plastic Surgery training at the prestigious Seth G. S. Medical College and K.E.M Hospital in Mumbai, after which he went on to earn his fellowship in various subfields of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Nilesh is a caring professional who takes the time to get to know his patients and understand their individual needs and goals. He is committed to providing the highest quality care possible and strives to make every patient feel comfortable and confident in their decision to undergo treatment. If you are considering plastic or reconstructive surgery, Dr. Nilesh Satbhai is a trusted surgeon who can provide you with the results you desire.
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