Liposuction: using liposuction, the surgeon aims to reduce the volume of fluids in the affected limb and can be effective if performed by a skilled and experienced practitioner. However, it doesn’t address the root cause of lymphoedema.
Lymph node transfer: a lymph node from an unaffected part of the body is transferred into the affected lymph node basin – typically the armpit or groin. The aim is to improve drainage and could be a highly successful treatment, but there are some unresolved issues with this procedure and until they are addressed we do not offer lymph node transfer at the Royal Marsden Hospital where I practice.
Lymphatico-venous bypass surgery: this technique involves the surgeon re-routing lymphatic fluid by joining lymphatic vessels onto small veins just under the surface of the skin. Potentially, it could represent a long-term effective cure for lymphoedema, meaning no further need for elevation or compression garments in the future.