liposuction for lymphoedema
Last edited 04/2022 and last reviewed 05/2022
NICE state (1):
- evidence on the efficacy and safety of liposuction for chronic lymphoedema is adequate
- evidence on safety shows that the potential risks include venous thromboembolism, fat embolism, and fluid overload.
- procedure can be used provided that standard arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit
Notes (2):
- in the Western world, lymphedema most commonly occurs following treatment of cancer
- liposuction removes the hypertrophied adipose tissue and is a prerequisite to achieve complete reduction, and this reduction is maintained long-term through constant (24 h) use of compression garments postoperatively
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