Cervical lymphatic tissue as an alternative donor site for the microsurgical treatment of secondary lymphedema in limbs

Introduction: Lymphedema is characterized by the accumulation of lymph in the interstitial tissue, leading to limb deformities, mobility issues, infections, and reduced self-esteem, collectively reducing patients' quality of life.Since 2016, the microsurgical transfer of vascularized lymphatic tissue from the neck as a donor site has emerged as a notable surgical treatment option.Objective: To describe cervical lymphnodes as an option for a donor area for the transfer of vascularized tissue in lymphedema surgeries.Methods: Five microsurgical procedures were performed to transfer vascularized lymphatic tissue from cervical stages Ib, III, or IV as the donor site.Patient outcomes were evaluated from 15 to 180 days postoperatively using metric assessments and photographic documentation.Results: In this study, complete improvement in the measures of certain parts of the affected limb was observed in two of the five patients (100% improvement).Two patients experienced an improvement of over 50%.One patient, lost to follow-up, showed no improvement.Conclusion: Lymphatic tissue from cervical levels appears to be a viable donor site for the surgical treatment of lymphedema in the limbs.This method may yield promising future outcomes, constituting a new area of practice for head and neck surgeons.