Functional lymphatic reconstruction with the "Selected Lymph Node" technique guided by a SPECT-CT lymphoscintigraphy.

BACKGROUND

A new technique named "Selected Lymph Node" ("SeLyN") was evaluated, aiming to identify the most functional groin lymph nodes (LNs) for an effective LN transplantation.

METHODS

Bilateral lower-limb SPECT-CT was performed in the upper-limb lymphedema patients, to select the most radioactive inguinal LN. Recorded data included demographics, stage, etiology of lymphedema, flap consistency in accordance to preoperative findings, flap size, number of LN, and harvesting time. Infection episodes per year and volume changes of the upper limbs were documented. Donor-site complications were recorded and lower-limb evaluation was performed through clinical examination, volume analysis, and lymphoscintigraphy.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients underwent a "SeLyN" transfer technique. The mean flap size was 28.34 cm containing a mean of 3.4 LNs. The mean time spent on flap harvest was 39 minutes. A mean 56.5% volume reduction (P < .001) and a mean 1.41 to 0.29 infection episodes per patient per year (P < .001) were recorded. Clinical evaluation and lymphography of the donor site advocated no major complications for a mean follow-up period of 42.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

"SeLyN" is a safe and effective technique in selecting the most suitable LNs, minimizing the donor-site morbidity, and decreasing the overall operating time.