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J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39(07): 559-564
DOI: 10.1055/a-2003-7795
Original Article

The Top 100 Cited Articles in the Microsurgical Treatment for Lymphedema

Justin J. Cordero
1   School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California
,
Sarah Eidelson
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Tanner Frediani
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Pasha Shakoori
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
A. Lyonel Carré
3   Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, City of Hope, Duarte, California
,
Melissa A. Klausmeyer
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
4   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, California
,
Michael W. Chu
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
4   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, California
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background Evidence-based medicine uses the current best evidence for decisions about patient care. Lymphedema is a chronic debilitating medical condition caused by a dysfunctional lymphatic system. This study analyzes the most cited articles, including the levels of evidence, for the surgical treatment of lymphedema.

Methods The Web of Science Sci-Expanded Index was utilized to search for surgical treatment of lymphedema. Articles were examined by three independent reviewers and the top 100 articles were determined. The corresponding author, citation count, publication year, topic, study design, level of evidence, journal, country, and institution were analyzed.

Results Since 1970, the top 100 articles have been cited 7,300 times. The average citation count was 68 and standard deviation was 55. The majority was case series (71), followed by retrospective cohort (8), prospective cohort (7), retrospective case–control (5), and randomized controlled trials (2). Based on the “Level of Evidence Pyramid,” 71 articles were level IV, 13 articles were level III, and 9 articles were level II. On the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Scale, there were 71 articles with “very low,” 20 articles with “low,” and 2 articles with “moderate” quality of evidence.

Conclusion The top 100 cited articles were mostly case series and lacked high levels of evidence. Most studies are retrospective case series with short-term outcomes. However, low level evidence for new surgical procedures is to be expected. Current trends suggest the treatment and understanding of lymphedema will continue to improve.

Keywords

lymphedema - lymphedema microsurgery - level of evidence

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 24 June 2022

Accepted: 30 November 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
23 December 2022

Article published online:
24 January 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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