Innovations in lymphedema treatment

(© Image: Depositphotos) - Swelling of one or more limbs due to lymphedema affects one in five women undergoing breast cancer surgery following the operation. The CHUV is proposing two promising new methods to treat this condition. The lymphatic network comprises vessels, nodes and organs that circulate and filter lymph - a biological fluid derived from blood - throughout the body. The lymphatic network is essential to the functioning of the immune system, protecting against infection by acting as a filter. When lymphatic vessels are blocked or damaged, lymph fluid accumulates in the tissues and their quality gradually changes, leading to swelling, heaviness, pain and recurrent infections in the affected limb. This is known as lymphedema. At an advanced stage of the disease, limb mobility may even be impaired.