Treatment for Lymphedema - Surgical and Non-Surgical
A swelling that occurs in your limbs, lymphedema is a condition that is caused in case of damage to or removal of lymph nodes. It is a result of blockage in your lymphatic system which forms a part of the immune system. This can be treated with both non-surgical and surgical options. Here are some of them: Non-surgical treatment options Treating lymphedema is possible with options that are non-surgical in nature. Most doctors recommend non-surgical treatment options at first and only move on to surgical ones if the earlier treatments fail to manage the symptoms or treat the issue. Here are the most opted-for options among non-surgical treatments: Physiotherapy Physical therapists can help best when it comes to treating lymphedema non-surgically. Physiotherapy for lymphedema also includes manual lymphatic drainage wherein the swelling in the body or affected areas is reduced by massage techniques. The process involves the movement of excessive fluids to areas in the body where the lymphatic system is functioning to ensure proper drainage. Compression therapy Compression therapy involves the use of compression garments that prevent the build-up of fluid along with preventing further swelling. These compression garments are customized for the patient by the provider, ensuring the right fit with the best results.
Surgical treatment options For extreme cases of lymphedema, providers and therapists often recommend surgical treatment. While the treatment does start off with non-surgical procedures, it can require surgical intervention in certain cases. The kind of treatments Lymph node transfer This technique works by releasing scar tissues that are blocking lymph fluids from flowing. This is done by transferring lymph nodes from an unaffected region to the one affected by lymphedema surgically. So far, this procedure does look promising. Lymphovenous bypass Lymphovenous bypass, also called lymphovenous, is a procedure conducted in patients who have advanced lymphedema. This is a reconstructive surgery that involves moving of the fluids from lymphatic vessels of the areas affected to the limbs nearby in order to form a detour. With enough research, you can find the best providers of lymphedema treatment in San Diego.