The lateral intercostal artery perforator as an alternative donor vessel for free vascularized lymph node transplantation.
- Author:
Min Seok Daniel KWAK
1
;
Hans Guenther MACHENS
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Lymphedema; Transplantation, autologous; Perforator flap; Microsurgery; Free tissue flaps
- MeSH: Arteries*; Extremities; Female; Free Tissue Flaps; Humans; Leg; Lymph Nodes*; Lymphatic System; Lymphedema; Microsurgery; Perforator Flap; Tissue Donors*; Transplantation, Autologous; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
- From:Archives of Plastic Surgery 2018;45(3):275-279
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Chronic lymphedema is caused by an impairment of the lymphatic system due to primary or secondary causes. Vascularized lymph node transplantation (VLNT) is currently the most promising and frequently used technique besides lymphaticovenous anastomosis. However, the vessel anatomy in the lateral thoracic region is sometimes quite variable. Based on our experiences with vascular anatomical inconstancy in the lateral thoracic region, we planned a lateral intercostal artery perforator flap for VLNT in a female patient with chronic stage II lymphedema of both legs after cervical cancer treatment. After surgery, the patient reported significant improvement in limb volume and the accompanying symptoms. The limb circumference was reduced by an average of 19.2% at 6 months postoperatively. Despite having a short pedicle and small vessel caliber, the lateral intercostal artery perforator flap can safely be used for VLNT in lymphedema patients with anatomical variants.
