Concordance between preoperative imaging methods in patients with limb lymphedema undergoing supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is increasingly being recognized as a first-line treatment of limb lymphedema because it is minimally invasive and highly effective. Lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography are the two most commonly performed diagnostic imaging examinations to establish the indication and plan the procedure for patients affected by limb lymphedema. In a small group of patients, the information between these two imaging tools can be discordant, showing different anatomical drainage pathways or the absence of drainage and dermal backflow in one examination and valid drainage pathways in the other. The purpose of this study is to examine the types of possible discrepancies between lymphoscintigraphy of the superficial system and ICG lymphography and to describe the surgical outcomes after LVA for patients presenting with such discrepancies. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of all patients who underwent LVA for upper or lower limb lymphedema between July 2015 and July 2023. From this series, we identified a group of patients with nonconcordant imaging results from lymphoscintigraphy and ICG lymphography before lymphatic surgery. Nonconcordant findings were described in terms of "pattern discordance" and "pathway discordance." The surgical outcome was measured by the change in the mean circumference of the limb after surgery. The changes between the preoperative and postoperative limb measures were analyzed using the Student t test. P values < .05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients with limb lymphedema exhibited inconsistencies between preoperative lymphoscintigraphy of the superficial system and ICG lymphography. Among these patients, 14 experienced pattern discordance, 13 had pathway discordance, and 1 patient had both. After LVA, we observed a significant reduction in the average circumference of the affected limb in the analyzed group. CONCLUSIONS: The discrepancy in the information between lymphoscintigraphy and ICG lymphography in the preoperative study of patients affected by limb lymphedema is rare but possible. This phenomenon is still not fully explained; however, our results suggest that it does not correlate with the outcome of supermicrosurgical LVAs.

Simultaneous total corporal reconstruction and implantation of a penile prosthesis in patients with erectile dysfunction and severe fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa.

INTRODUCTION: Implantation of a penile prosthesis in severely scarred corporal bodies represents a great challenge as fibrosis can compromise dilatation and subsequent closure of the corpora cavernosa and limit size, type, and function of the device. AIM: The aim of this study is to report our experience of simultaneous corporeal reconstruction and penile prosthesis implantation in patients with severe penile contracture consequence of diffuse fibrosis. METHODS: Between March 2006 and February 2010, 18 patients with severe penile contracture and coporeal fibrosis underwent simultaneous corporeal reconstruction and placement of a penile prosthesis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical outcome and complications have been recorded during postoperative follow-up. Patients' satisfaction has been assessed 6 months postoperatively with the administration of the modified erectile dysfunction index of treatment satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Although the dilatation of the corpora was extremely difficult due to the severe fibrosis, a penile prosthesis has been implanted in all patients. A malleable penile prosthesis has been inserted in four patients and a three-piece inflatable device in the remainder. After an average follow-up of 26 months (range 6-36), revision surgery was required in four patients (elective exchange to three-piece inflatable device in three patients and upsizing of the implant in one patient). Although all patients were able to achieve penetrative sexual intercourse, four patients were partially dissatisfied because of significant penile shortening. CONCLUSION: In expert hands, simultaneous penile prosthesis implantation and corporal reconstruction of severely scarred corpora yield satisfactory results. Patients must be warned that complication rate in presence of severe fibrosis is significantly higher than in virgin cases and that downsized cylinders might be required due to the contracture of the tunica albuginea.

Rest/Stress Intradermal Lymphoscintigraphy for the Functional Imaging of the Lymphatic System.

PURPOSE: Lymphoscintigraphy is the criterion-standard method for diagnosing lymphedema, and there is no universally standardized imaging modality. In our center, we use a new approach: rest/stress intradermal lymphoscintigraphy. METHODS: We tested 231 consecutive patients with suspected lymphedema. All patients were studied after a complex physical therapy program to reduce edema. Two doses of 99m Tc-nanocolloid were injected intradermally. Two static planar scans were taken at rest following tracer injection. Next, patients performed an isotonic muscular exercise for 2 minutes followed by postexercise scans. Subsequently, a prolonged exercise was performed for 30 to 40 minutes, after which delayed scans were taken. Abnormal patterns were distinguished into minor or major findings, according to severity. RESULTS: We identified superficial lymphatic vessels and regional lymph nodes in approximately 80% of limbs. Deep vessels were visualized in 26% of limbs. Minor findings were reported in 22.7% of limbs examined, whereas major findings were reported in 53.2% of limbs. CONCLUSION: We observed major findings including lymph stagnation, extravasation, or dermal backflow in a significantly higher percentage of limbs with secondary lymphedema than in primary. We also observed the deep lymphatic pathways in a significantly higher percentage of limbs with primary lymphedema. Intradermal radiotracer injection, combined with isotonic muscular exercise, may offer a better and faster imaging of lymphatic pathways, evaluating the effects of muscular exercise on lymphatic drainage. Based on the in-depth information of the lymphatic pathways provided by rest/stress intradermal lymphoscintigraphy, microsurgeons can obtain important functional information to perform supermicrosurgical lymphatic-venous anastomosis or vascularized lymph node transfer.

Rest/stress intradermal lymphoscintigraphy in diagnosis of lipedema.

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by a symmetrical and bilateral swelling of the lower extremities. In general, the feet are not involved. Lipedema is believed to affect nearly 1 in 9 adult women worldwide. Despite this relatively common disease, lipedema is often confused with primary lymphedema or obesity. In clinically advanced lipedema stages, fat continues to build up and may block the lymphatic vessels causing a secondary lymphedema (Lipo-Lymphedema). We consecutively evaluated 54 women with a clinical diagnosis of lower limbs lipedema. Two doses of 99mTc-nanocolloid were injected intradermally at the first intermetatarsal space and in the lateral malleolar area. Two static planar scans were taken at rest immediately following the intradermal injection. Subsequently, all patients were asked to perform an isotonic muscular exercise (stepping) for 2 min. Then, post exercise scans were performed to monitor the tracer pathway. Subsequently, the patient was asked to take a 30-40 min walk (prolonged exercise) and delayed scans were acquired. In early clinical stages, the lymphatic flow is usually preserved and the rest/stress intradermal lymphoscintigraphy may visualize a normal lymphatic drainage with a frequent pattern (tortuous course) of the leg lymphatic pathway. In clinically advanced stages, lymph stagnation areas were observed. Unlike obesity, lipedema fat storage is resistant to dietary regimen, bariatric surgery, and physical activity. Surgical treatment (tumescent liposuction and reductive surgery) is the most effective treatment to remove adipose tissue. Complex decongestive therapies are helpful in reducing the lymph stagnation, especially in patients with advanced lipolymphedema.

Intradermal-Stress-Lymphoscintigraphy in Early Detection and Clinical Management of Secondary Lymphedema: A Pictorial Essay.

Stress-lymphoscintigraphy evaluates the effects of exercise on lymph drainage. Results may predict outcomes of complex physical therapy as a first-line lymphedema treatment. Microsurgical approaches are best in patients with lymphangectasia or dermal backflow. Lymphatic pathway mapping helps plan lympho-venous anastomoses. For improved lymphatic visualization, we suggest a scan at rest, after a quick exercise (stepping or weight lifting for 2 min) and delayed scanning after prolonged symptom limited exercise (walking or hand squeezing for 30-40 min). In advanced lymphedema, identification of lymph pathways and residual regional lymph nodes might be difficult. In these patients, lymph node transplant is suggested.