Safety and efficacy of intracranial vascularized submental lymph node transfer for treating hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is routinely treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a procedure plagued by high morbidity and frequent revisions. Vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) transplants act as lymphatic pumps to drain interstitial fluid (ISF) from lymphedematous extremities. As the field of neuro-lymphatics comes to fruition, we hypothesize the efficacy of VSLN in the drainage of intracranial CSF-ISF. We report novel placement of VSLN in the temporal subdural space in two patients diagnosed with symptomatic communicating hydrocephalus. At a minimum follow-up of 1 month postoperatively, both experienced radiological and clinical improvements.     

Long-term outcome of lower extremity lymphedema treated with vascularized lymph node flap transfer with or without venous complications

Background: Vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) transfer is an emerging approach for extremity lymphedema. This study investigated the long-term outcome and venous complications of VSLN for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Methods: Between 2010 and 2018, patients who underwent VSLN for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema were retrospectively evaluated. Patient demographics, operative records, complications, circumferential improvement, and episodes of cellulitis were analyzed. Further comparisons were performed between different types, numbers, and techniques of venous anastomoses. Results: A total of 75 VSLNs in 70 patients survived, giving a 100% success rate. Six flaps (8%) had venous complications (VC group) and 69 flaps (92%) did not (No-VC group). There were no statistical differences in types, numbers, and techniques of anastomoses between two groups (P = .65, 1, and .56, respectively). At a mean follow-up of 32.0 ± 23.0 months, mean circumferential improvement and episodes of cellulitis between two groups did not statistically differ significantly (P = .31 and .09, respectively). Conclusions: VSLN is an effective treatment for lower extremity lymphedema. The types, numbers of veins, and techniques of venous anastomoses did not statistically affect the venous complication rates. Functional outcomes of the VSLNs were not compromised if venous complications were salvaged promptly.     

Summary of hands-on supermicrosurgery course and live surgeries at 8th world symposium for lymphedema surgery

The hands-on supermicrosurgery course provided participants a valuable learning experience of in-depth practices of supermicrosurgical skills with experts. Seven live surgeries were successfully demonstrated at 8th World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery. Variable donor sites for vascularized lymph node transfer were the submental, supraclavicular, groin, and omental; while the recipient sites included the wrist and axilla in upper limb; and popliteal and groin in the lower limb. The therapeutic and preventive lymphovenous anastomosis was also satisfactorily performed.     

Successful treatment of lymphedema in a vasculopath and neuropathic patient

This is a case report of a 68-year-old male with stage III right lower extremity lymphedema following right inguinal lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. He developed peripheral neuropathy and radiation-induced right femoral artery thrombosis, treated with saphenous vein graft. He underwent three vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs) to the upper medial thigh, posterior calf, and ankle with placement of nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds. Three months after surgery, he had volume reduction, less neuropathic pain, and improved ambulation.     

保留肋间臂神经在乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结清扫术中的应用

目的探讨Ⅰ、Ⅱ期乳腺癌改良根治术中保留肋间臂神经的临床价值。方法65例行Ⅰ、Ⅱ期乳腺癌改良根治术,保留肋间臂神经50例,切除15例,术后对患者进行随访观察。结果保留肋间臂神经50例中,术后患者上臂内侧及腋部皮肤感觉正常46例（92.0%）,感觉异常4例（8.0%）;切断肋间臂神经15例均有感觉障碍,两组比较差异有显著性（χ2=12.42,P〈0.001）。随访1年,50例均无肿瘤局部复发。结论在乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结清扫术中,保留肋间臂神经对改善患者术后生活质量具有一定的临床价值。