THELinfedema is a pathology characterized by an increase in the volume of the limbs, arms or legs, and more rarely than the genitals. In most cases, the lymphedema is secondary to interventions to remove the lymph nodes, the Axillary or inguinal lymphadhenectomybut there are also congenital or infectious or post-traumatic forms. On the occasion of the World Lymphedema Day, which is celebrated on March 6, the SICPRE Italian Society of Reconstructive-Rigenerative and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery organizes an event in Bari at the headquarters ofAldo Moro University. Let’s find out with experts what this disease implies and how to solve it. Also surgically.
Linfedema: the event
The Lymphedema Day signed SICPRE, now in its second edition, aims to inform and raise awareness of this disease causes the increase in the volume of an limb by alteration of the lymphatic system. The scientific committee of the event is composed of Giuseppe GiudiceFull professor of plastic surgery at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, director of the UOC of plastic surgery and large burned center, Michele Maruccia, Associate professor at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of precision and regenerative medicine and Ionian area, and from Rossella EliaAssociate professor at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of precision and regenerative medicine and Ionian area.
How to participate online
«The Lymphedema Day It is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on a often little known pathologybut which involves many people in their daily lives. Our goal will be to sensitize, inform and promote greater awareness, so that those who live with lymphedema can find support, adequate care and, above all, don’t feel alone. Thanks to the presence of experts, testimonies and moments of confrontation, we want to build together a network of knowledge and solidarity », explain Judge, Maruccia and Elia. We will speak in particular of the Secondary lymphedema breast cancer, with the aim of informing patients about risks and possible treatments, thanks to the presence of the highest experts on the subject. Two methods of participation: in Bari at the University headquarters or online, connecting to Sicpre YouTube page.
The incidence in Italy
According to data Omar, Rare Diseases Observatory, In Italy every year they are recorded 40,000 new cases of lymphedema. Of these, at least half It is interested in patients undergoing lymph nodes following the onset of tumors. This removal then determines lymphatic stasis and therefore chronic swelling of the arms or legs. The incidence is growing. Among the speakers of the event also the Professor Marzia Salgarelloplastic surgeon at the Agostino Gemelli Ircs University Polyclinic Foundation and president Beautiful After Breast Cancer (Babc) Italy Onlus. It will speak of the role of technology in lymphatic surgery. In particular, he will speak of the ultrasound at very high frequency and will bring the testimony as president of the Babc.
Lympedema: possible treatments
“The Lymphdema of the upper limb It is a complication not rare of mastectomy and axillary emptying for breast cancer. It is a chronic and fattening disease. This means that he will accompany the patient throughout his life. The good news, however, is that today we can do a lot for the lymphedema, both thanks to physical therapieswho see physiotherapists on the front line with decongestive physiotherapy, bandage and use of compressive garment tailor -made that must be changed every 6 months, both thanks to the Plastic surgery with microchirurgy and super microchirurgy techniquessuch as those used for lymphatic-venous anastomosis ».
Lympedema: help from microchirurgy
«In a healthy person the sap is discharged into the venous blood after a long path that crosses the lymphatic channels of the whole body and the lymph nodes to the neck. After the removal of the lymph nodes for oncological therapy, however, The lymph cannot be downloaded and therefore “clog” the fabrics of the limb interested. If necessary, it is intervened with the microscopic surgery of very high specialization, with the lymphatic-vain anastomosis, or mini bypass between small surface lymphatics and small veins of the subcutaneous tissue in order to pour the lymph directly into the venous blood. These bypass are carried out through engravings of about 2 centimeters, comparable to the cuts practiced to remove a neo. The impact on the patient is therefore minimal. Another surgical possibility is lymph nodes transplanting from one venue to another. But this is a more elaborate surgery for the patient, to be applied in selected cases », concludes Professor Salgarello.
I woman © RESERVED REPRODUCTION