Risk factors and a prediction model for lower limb lymphedema following lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancer: a hospital-based retrospective cohort study

Kenji Kuroda , Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Manami Yanagisawa, Akira Kawata, Naoya Akiba, Kensuke Suzuki and Kazutoshi Naritaka. BMC Women’s Health (2017) 17:50

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Main findings

  • Postoperative lower limb cellulitis and infected pelvic cavity lymphocysts did not significantly induce lower limb lymphoedema (LLL).
  • A higher BMI was associated with the development of LLL. As the amount of adipose tissue increases in the lower extremity, lymphatic vessels may become dysfunctional, thereby reducing proximal lymphatic flow.
  • Patients who underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLA) + para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PALA) have a higher risk of LLL.
  • Recent studies revealed the dissection of circumflex iliac lymph nodes (CILs) to be an important risk factor.
  • Significant positive correlation between postoperative radiation therapy and LLL.
  • Positive correlation between lymphocyst formation and the development of LLL.