Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Postoperative care after lymphaticovenous anastomosis

  • Chan, Jeffrey C.Y. (Department of Plastic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital) ;
  • Taranto, Giuseppe Di (Department of Plastic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital) ;
  • Elia, Rossella (Department of Plastic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital) ;
  • Amorosi, Vittoria (Department of Plastic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital) ;
  • Sitpahul, Ngamcherd (Department of Plastic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital) ;
  • Chen, Hung-Chi (Department of Plastic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital)
  • Received : 2019.07.30
  • Accepted : 2020.07.08
  • Published : 2021.05.15
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Abstract

In this report, we discuss the postoperative protocol for patients undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in our unit. Immediately after LVA, the incision site is closed over a small Penrose drain and a simple gauze dressing is applied without compression. In the first 5 days, ambulation is allowed, but limb elevation is actively encouraged to promote lymphatic flow across the newly formed anastomosis. Prophylactic antibiotics are routinely given to prevent infection because this patient group is susceptible to infections, which could trigger thrombosis in the anastomosis.

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References

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