Intra-abdominal donors for vascularized lymph node transfer: an update and review

Lymphedema continues to be a very challenging clinical problem. While compression and physical therapy remain the foundation of treatment, recent advances in microsurgery super-microsurgery have allowed for development promising surgical options. One these options is vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), which has gained significant popularity over years. However, there no consensus on ideal donor basin VLNT. In addition, most commonly reported sites, including groin, supraclavicular, submental, lateral thoracic nodes, carry risk iatrogenic lymphedema and/or visible scarring. order avoid risks, use intra-abdominal sites VLNT been pursued. This article reviews techniques outcomes each