Lymphedema Program

The Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Lymphedema Program uses a patient-centered approach that offers multidisciplinary support to those suffering with lymphedema. Our goal is to provide comprehensive management and care to improve our patients’ overall emotional and physical health.

Understanding the problem

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, and sometimes debilitating disease that impacts millions of Americans. There are multiple causes of lymphedema. It most commonly occurs after cancer therapy such as surgery or radiation. Other common causes are trauma, infections, and congenital lymphedema, which occurs in patients who are born with lymphatic dysfunction.

Due to advancements in research, the pathophysiology of lymphedema is now better understood. Specifically, inflammatory fluid builds up in the soft tissue due to changes in the lymphatic system. This inflammatory fluid then leads to the development of scar tissue, fibrosis, and increased fat deposition, which results in the limb volume increase seen with lymphedema.

What is the solution?

Lymphedema is traditionally treated conservatively with complete decongestive therapy (CDT). However, surgery can be an option for highly selected patients. Many lymphedema patients are also suffering from additional ailments, such as obesity, complicated wounds, cancer, and other oncological issues.

The Trinity Mid-Atlantic Lymphedema Program will offer support in all areas of the disease process under one roof. Patients will have access to our top-notch wound care program, robust bariatric program with nutrition support, oncology program, and long-term follow-up by our certified lymphedema therapists.

Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of lymphedema is important, as early intervention is key in slowing the progression of the disease.

Monitor for the following symptoms in the at-risk extremity, which may be apparent before swelling is present:

• Achiness/pain
• Changes in sensation/tingling
• Heaviness/fullness
• Tightness in the skin
• Tighter fit clothing
• Limited range of motion

Treatment

CDT is the main treatment for lymphedema. This includes manual lymph drainage, multi-layer, short-stretch compression bandaging, lymphatic exercise, skin care, education in lymphedema self-management, avoiding trauma to the affected limb, and elastic compression garments.

Surgery is an option for select patients. Surgical procedures are categorized as excisional procedures, which decrease limb volume, and physiological procedures, which improve lymphatic function.

For patients suffering from increased fat deposition in their arm or leg, excisional procedures target fat removal through liposuction techniques. Additionally, skin and fat are also removed when necessary.

In patients that suffer primarily from fluid overload, treatments include lymphaticovenular bypass and vascularized lymph node transplant. During a lymphaticovenular bypass, the lymphatic fluid is re-directed into the local venous system in order to offload the fluid. In a vascularized lymph node transplant, functioning donor lymph nodes are transplanted to the affected area. Initially, the transplanted lymph nodes will direct fluid into the venous system. Subsequently, there will be a development of new lymphatic vessels through the process of lymphangiogenesis. This two-fold drainage functions to offload the excess fluid.

To schedule with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Lymphedema Program, please call 215.710.5234 or fill out the Lymphedema Intake Form and our office will reach out to schedule you.