Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis vs. vascularized lymph vessel transplant - technical optimization and when to perform which

Early surgical intervention for lymphedema can delay, prevent, and even reverse lymphatic degeneration. Vascularized lymph vessel transplant (VLVT) has emerged as an alternative to vascularized lymph node transplant (VLNT) for the treatment of advanced, fluid-predominant lymphedema, providing highly favorable outcomes with reduced donor-site complications. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has traditionally been reserved for early disease. However, technical refinements have improved its results and expanded its efficacy, creating an overlap between the indications for VLVT/VLNT and LVA. This article describes our technical approach to VLVT and LVA and explores the nuances of treatment selection in the light of their shifting indications.