Lymphoedema is long-term swelling, most often of an arm or leg, that develops when the lymphatic system cannot drain fluid properly. It can follow cancer treatment, infection or injury, and less often it is present from birth. Left alone, it tends to progress, so early assessment helps.
Treatment starts with non-surgical care: compression, skin care, exercise and specialised lymphatic massage. Surgery is considered when swelling persists despite these measures, and the choice depends on the stage of the condition. Options include connecting tiny lymphatic channels to nearby veins, transferring lymph nodes, and removing excess tissue in later stages. Tests that map how the lymphatic system is working help guide the decision.
Surgery rarely cures lymphoedema. The aim is to reduce swelling, lower the risk of repeated infection and make the limb easier to live with, and compression is often still needed afterwards. Risks include infection, fluid collection, wound problems, limited improvement and the need for further procedures. Where surgery is unlikely to help, the team will say so.
The plastic surgery team supports patients with limb swelling through the following:
