Supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis for the treatment of recurrent cellulitis-associated lymphedema in the lower limb

Abstract

Recurrent leg cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and result in chronic lymphedema. Antibiotic therapy is administered to prevent cellulitis; however, antibiotic-resistant bacteria frequently occur. Supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) can play a role in stopping the vicious circle by improving lymph circulation. In the present report, we have described the case of a 40-year-old male patient with frequent cellulitis and subsequent left leg edema. Based on the lymphoscintigraphy findings, LVA was performed on the left leg (six anastomoses). One year later, the lymphedema had subsided without further cellulitis. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed no dermal backflow. Thus, LVA is a treatment option for recurrent cellulitis-associated lymphedema.

Keywords

• Cellulitis
• Lymphatic system
• Lymphedema
• Lymphoscintigraphy
• Lymphovenous anastomosis