Treatment of gynaecological cancer related lower limb lymphoedema with liposuction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes in patients with gynaecological cancer related lymphoedema treated with liposuction.

METHODS: A prospective analysis of 21 patients who underwent liposuction followed by compression therapy for chronic unilateral lower limb lymphoedema with up to 8 years follow up was performed.

RESULTS: Duration of lymphoedema prior to liposuction ranged from 4 to 28 years (mean 15.2 years). The mean age at time of liposuction was 52 years (range 37-67). Estimated volume excess in the affected limb ranged from 1.6 to 12 l (mean 4.7 l). The mean percentage reduction was 92.6% at 6 months (range 59.4-159.9) and 88.9% (range 60.9-127.5) at 1 year. Longer term follow-up of 6 patients at 5 years post-liposuction revealed a mean percentage reduction of 113.6% (range 83.5-155.5).

CONCLUSION: Our experience of liposuction combined with compression garments has demonstrated significant and sustainable reduction in limb volume in patients with lower limb lymphoedema secondary to gynaecological malignancy.