Comparison of long‐term clinical outcomes among different vascularized lymph node transfers: 6‐year experience of a single center's approach to the treatment of lymphedema

Background This study evaluated the long‐term clinical outcomes among different vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) used at our institution. Methods Between July 2010 and July 2016, all patients with International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stages II‐III who underwent VLNT were evaluated. Demographic and clinical data (limb circumference, infectious episodes, lymphoscintigraphic studies) were recorded pre‐operatively. Clinical outcomes, complications, and additional excisional procedures were analyzed post‐operatively. At least 2‐year follow‐up was required for inclusion. Results Overall, 83 patients (Stage II:47, Stage III:36) met the inclusion criterion. Mean follow‐up was 32.8 months (range, 24‐49). Lymph node flaps used were groin (n = 13), supraclavicular (n = 25), gastroepiploic (n = 42), ileocecal (n = 2), and appendicular (n = 1). Total mean circumference reduction rate was 29.1% (Stage II) and 17.9% (Stage III) (P