Where Can Lymph Nodes Be Taken For A Transplant For Lymphedema Surgery?

There are several accessible areas around the body where lymph nodes may be harvested with its blood vessels to be transplanted in an arm or leg for lymphedema treatment. This includes the groin area (the area near the hip bone (Groin Flap)), the subaxillary region (arm pit region(Subaxillary Flap), and the neck/collar bone area (Transverse Cervical Flap)). Each area contains a lymph node basin which can be harvested with the flap tissue. Careful dissection and evaluation of the area needs to be done prior to using the tissues from each specific area.

Be sure to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon regarding your “donor site” options for lymph nodes when considering lymph node transplant to treat lymphedema.