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J Reconstr Microsurg 2005; 21(2): 93-99
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-864841
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Free Muscle Flap Transfer as a Lymphatic Bridge for Upper Extremity Lymphedema

Dale A. Classen1 , Leanne Irvine1
  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted: September 21, 2004

Publication Date:
28 February 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

There are limited reports in the literature describing the use of muscle or skin pedicle flaps as a lymphatic bridge to treat obstructive lymphedema. This report demonstrates the successful use of a free muscle flap for a circumferential scar of a forearm as treatment for obstructive lymphedema. Lymphatic drainage is demonstrated across the free flap by lymphoscintigraphy postoperatively. This is the first case report using a free muscle flap to reestablish lymphatic flow across an area of obstructive limb lymphedema.

KEYWORDS

Free muscle flap - lymphatic bridge - obstructive lymphedema

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Dale A ClassenM.D. FRCS 

Box 58, Royal University Hospital

103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0X0