Lymphedema Open House April 19, 2024

Join UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital's Open House Dedicated to Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic condition affecting the lymphatic system characterized by swelling related to a buildup of lymph in tissues. It is extremely common: there are an estimated 350 million people with lymphedema worldwide and two million in Italy, where the numbers are growing rapidly. The main symptoms are swelling, a sense of heaviness, itching, and tingling in the legs or arms. In severe cases, or if left untreated, it can lead to further complications and recurrent infections, becoming disabling.

Address the problem to solve it with the right specialists. If you also suffer from these disorders and suspect or have already been diagnosed with lymphedema, like 45 thousand other people each year, attend our Open House dedicated to lymphedema prevention and treatment:

• Friday, April 19, 2024 – from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Book your appointment online by clicking here or by calling +39 06 588 96 800.

Our specialists will be available for free clinical evaluations:

• Initial lymphological evaluation with Dr. Alessandro Piperno, orthopaedics surgeon and expert in the surgical treatment of lymphedema.
• Nutritional assessment with Dr. Letizia Astrologo, nutritional biologist.

What is it and what can lymphedema be caused by?

Lymphedema is a pathological condition that affects the lymphatic system by preventing the drainage of lymph from the limbs. It can occur due to congenital issues (primary lymphedema), but more often it is due to disease states, trauma, or as a result of cancer surgery (secondary lymphedema). It occurs in the limbs, mainly in the legs, but can also affect other body districts.

How to prevent and treat lymphedema?

Some external factors can increase the risk of lymphedema. To reduce it, some simple hygiene-behavioral rules can be adopted:

• Take care of your skin, paying special attention to lesions and keeping it always moisturized. It is essential to protect it from external agents that could cause infection.
• Maintain an adequate body weight.
• Exercise regularly, especially after undergoing surgery.

Depending on the severity of the lymphedema, the specialist will be able to identify the most appropriate treatment. One method that is effective in recreating the drainage pathway is lymphatic-venous anastomosis (LVA), or microsurgical lymphatic venous bypass. UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital is one of the few centers in Italy and Europe that uses this minimally invasive surgical approach to treat this chronic condition.