Lymphatic Complications Prevention and Soft Tissue Reconstruction after Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection in the Limbs

Background and Objectives: The definitive treatment of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) requires a radical surgical removal of the tumor, which often leads to large soft tissue defects. When they are located in the limbs, significant damage to the lymphatic pathways is not uncommon. In the present article, we present different techniques aimed at both reconstructing the defect and restoring sufficient lymph drainage, thus preventing short- and long-term lymphatic complications. Materials and Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, 10 patients presenting a soft tissue defect with lymphatic impairment received a locoregional reconstruction by means of either pedicled or free SCIP flap. Seven patients required a second flap to reach a good dead space obliteration. In six cases, we performed an interpositional flap, namely a soft tissue transfer with lymphatic tissue preservation, and in four cases a lymphatic flow-through flap. In all cases, the cause of the defect was STS surgical excision. The average age was 60.5 years old (ranging 39–84), seven patients were females and six were males. Results: All the patients were successfully treated. In two cases, minor post-operative complications were encountered (infected seroma), which were conservatively managed. No secondary procedures were required. The average follow-up was 8.9 months (ranging 7–12 months). No signs of lymphedema were reported during this time. In all cases, complete range of motion (ROM) and a good cosmetic result were achieved. Conclusions: A reconstructive procedure that aims not only to restore the missing volume, but also the lymphatic drainage might successfully reduce the rate of postoperative complications. Both lymphatic interpositional flaps and lymphatic flow-through flaps could be effective, and the right choice must be done according to each patient’s needs.

Validating Consensus-Defined Severity Grading of Lymphatic Complications after Kidney Transplant

Lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation (KTx) are associated with morbidities such as impaired wound healing, thrombosis, and organ failure. Recently, a consensus regarding the definition and severity grading of lymphoceles has been suggested. The aim of the present study was to validate this classification method. All adult patients who underwent KTx between December 2011 and September 2016 in our department were evaluated regarding lymphoceles that were diagnosed within 6 months after KTx based on the recent definition. Patients with lymphoceles were categorized according to the classification criteria, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. In our department, a total of 587 patients underwent KTx between 2011 and 2016. Lymphoceles were detected after KTx in 90 patients (15.3%). Among these patients, 24 (26.6%) had grade A lymphoceles, 14 (15.6%) had grade B, and 52 (57.8%) had grade C. The median duration times of intermediate care (IMC) and hospital stay were significantly higher among patients with grade C lymphoceles than they were among patients with grade A and B lymphoceles. Significantly more patients with grade C lymphoceles were readmitted to the hospital for treatment. The recently published definition and severity grading of lymphoceles after KTx is an easy-to-use and valid classification system, which may facilitate the comparison of results from different studies on lymphoceles after KTx.

Lymphatic complications after harvesting venous conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Complications associated with the disorders of lymphatic outflow in the lower extremities are common in cardiovascular surgery involving the isolation of venous conduits and interventions on the femoral vessels. Despite the relatively low frequency, treatment of these complications requires significant efforts and does not always yield the expected results whereas timely diagnosis of lymphatic drainage disorders is often difficult. This becomes the reason for repeated hospitalizations, surgical interventions, long hospital stays, and disabilities. However, the problem of lymphatic complications is still not getting enough attention. This article discusses the pathogenesis, predictors of lymphatic complications, and the options and approaches to their treatment and diagnosis.

Onchocerciasis Fingerprints in the Geriatric Population: Does Host Immunity Play a Role?

One of the most debilitating consequences of aging is the progressive decline in immune function, known as immunosenescence. This phenomenon is characterized by a shift in T-cell phenotypes, with a manifest decrease of naive T-cells—dealing with newly encountered antigens—and a concomitant accumulation of senescent and regulatory T-cells, leading to a greater risk of morbidity and mortality in older subjects. Additionally, with aging, several studies have unequivocally revealed an increase in the prevalence of onchocerciasis infection. Most lymphatic complications, skin and eye lesions due to onchocerciasis are more frequent among the elderly population. While the reasons for increased susceptibility to onchocerciasis with age are likely to be multi-factorial, age-associated immune dysfunction could play a key role in the onset and progression of the disease. On the other hand, there is a growing consensus that infection with onchocerciasis may evoke deleterious effects on the host’s immunity and exacerbate immune dysfunction. Indeed, Onchocerca volvulus has been reported to counteract the immune responses of the host through molecular mimicry by impairing T-cell activation and interfering with the processing of antigens. Moreover, reports indicate impaired cellular and humoral immune responses even to non-parasite antigens in onchocerciasis patients. This diminished protective response may intensify the immunosenescence outcomes, with a consequent vulnerability of those affected to additional diseases. Taken together, this review is aimed at contributing to a better understanding of the immunological and potential pathological mechanisms of onchocerciasis in the older population.

Comparison of clips and electrosurgical instruments in sealing of lymphatic vessels during pelvic lymph node dissection at the time of radical cystectomy

Background. Bladder cancer is very common and real problem in oncourology. The main treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer is radical cystectomy (RC). RC with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) may be associated with an increased risk of developing lymphatic complications such as lymphedema, prolonged lymphorrhea, and the formation of lymphocele.Objective: to compare the efficiency of clips and surgical instruments for preventing the development of lymphatic complications during PLND at the time of RC.Materials and methods. From January 2016 to October 2020 at the N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University on the basis of N.I. Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1 were performed 60 RC with PLND. All patients were divided into two groups. The 1st group included patients who underwent the sealing of lymphatic vessels using titanium/polymer clips (n = 30). In the 2nd group the sealing was performed using ultrasonic/bipolar instruments (n = 30). All operations were performed by one surgeon. The study used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results. The overall percentage of lymphatic complications was 29 (48.3 %) out of 60 patients. Out of them 7 (11.7 %) patients developed symptomatic lymphocele, and 3 (5.0 %) developed asymptomatic lymphocele, prolonged lymphorrhea was observed in 17 (28.3 %) patients, lymphedema of the lower extremities or genitals in 2 (3.3 %). The percentage of lymphatic complications in the 1st group was 66.7 % (n = 20), and in the 2nd group - 30.0 % (n = 9) (p = 0.004). In multivariate analysis the statistical significance was (p = 0.014), a high odds ratio (6.83; 95 % confidence interval 1.48-31.49) was observed with sealing of lymphatic vessels with clips, while a low odds ratio (0.14; 95 % confidence interval 0.03-0.67) was found with electrosurgical instruments.Conclusion. The use of ultrasonic or bipolar electrosurgical instruments can be an effective method for preventing the development of lymphatic complications during PLND at the time of RC.

Fibrin Sealants and Axillary Lymphatic Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 23 Clinical Randomized Trials

Background: use of fibrin sealants following pelvic, paraaortic, and inguinal lymphadenectomy may reduce lymphatic morbidity. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate if this finding applies to the axillary lymphadenectomy. Methods: randomized trials evaluating the efficacy of fibrin sealants in reducing axillary lymphatic complications were included. Lymphocele, drainage output, surgical-site complications, and hospital stay were considered as outcomes. Results: twenty-three randomized studies, including patients undergoing axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer, melanoma, and Hodgkin’s disease, were included. Fibrin sealants did not affect axillary lymphocele incidence nor the surgical site complications. Drainage output, days with drainage, and hospital stay were reduced when fibrin sealants were applied (p < 0.0001, p < 0.005, p = 0.008). Conclusion: fibrin sealants after axillary dissection reduce the total axillary drainage output, the duration of drainage, and the hospital stay. No effects on the incidence of postoperative lymphocele and surgical site complications rate are found.