Microsurgical lymphedema treatment: An objective evaluation of the quality of online information

Abstract Lymphedema affects almost 300 million people world-wide. Recent advances in microsurgery introduced two promising physiologic surgical treatments: lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT). Patients seek for information about their pathology treatment options, searching on the Web mostly. The quality of online health-related remains doubtful authors aimed to assess it what concerns LVA VLNT procedures. expanded Ensuring Quality Information (EQIP) scale was applied 17 selected websites that deal with 28 VLNT. For both procedures, main part belonged Hospital portals group, scored lowest EQIP scores. In particular, quantitative description benefits, side-effects alert signs along precaution patients may take, resulted inadequate. Physiologic reconstruction lymphedema generally provides modest only a specific subgroup patients. available does not appear convey or lack thereof, which can result presenting unrealistic expectations potential address lymphedema. Surgeons should guide this quest, warning them misinformation they might hit web.