<< Back to the abstract archive
Obesity and Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Multi-Center Analysis of Predictive Factors
Min-Jeong Cho1, Jorge Flores Garcia1, Feras Alshomer2, Sydney Chratian1, Roman J. Skoracki1, Joon Pio Hong3
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
2025-01-10
Presenter: Jorge Flores Garcia
Affidavit:
I certify that the material proposed for this presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting. 100% of the work on this project is original by the authors.
Director Name: Greg Pearson
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background:
Lymphedema, a chronic condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage, leads to fluid accumulation. Physiologic surgical interventions, such as lymphovenous bypass (LVB) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), aim to restore lymphatic flow. The influence of body mass index (BMI) on surgical outcomes remains unclear. This study evaluates the impact of BMI on outcomes in upper extremity lymphedema patients undergoing physiologic surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective multicenter study analyzed data from 153 U.S. and Korean patients who underwent LVB, VLNT, or combined procedures between July 2016 and November 2023. Collected data included gender, BMI, lymphedema type and stage, limb volumetrics, and follow-up duration. Outcomes assessed included changes in limb volume and compliance with compression therapy.
Results:
Patients had a mean age of 55.4 years, BMI of 26.3 kg/m�, and follow-up duration of 16.8 months. ISL stage 2 lymphedema was most common (43.6%), followed by stage 2b (36.1%), stage 3 (16.5%), and stage 1 (3.8%). LVB was performed in 48.1%, VLNT+LVB in 44.4%, and VLNT in 7.5%. Responders (77.7%) had an average BMI of 25.6 kg/m� and -11% limb volume reduction, while non-responders (23.3%) had a BMI of 28.4 kg/m� and a 7.3% increase. Compression therapy compliance was significantly higher among responders (92.2%) compared to non-responders (64.5%) (p<0.000).
Conclusion:
While BMI does not significantly affect physiologic lymphedema surgery outcomes, compliance with compression therapy appears to enhance results. Further research should explore patient-reported outcomes and long-term management strategies.
