Referring Physicians: Lymphedema Microsurgery Services

Microsurgical procedures — lymphovenous bypass and vascularized lymph node transfer — can provide long-lasting relief from lymphedema symptoms.

Rush University Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the U.S. to use new robotic technology to perform lymphedema surgery. This robotic technology allows surgeons to operate on lymph vessels with greater precision, leading to better outcomes with fewer complications for patients.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Lymphedema Surgery Services at Rush?

We can treat most patients with lymphedema, whether the condition is caused by cancer surgery, radiation therapy, injury or another condition.

Our microvascular surgery experts specialize in both breast reconstruction and lymphatic surgery. In some cases, they can perform breast reconstruction and lymph node transfer in the same surgery for patients with breast cancer.

Ideal candidates for microsurgery include:

Patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer who are about to undergo a mastectomy (lymphovenous bypass can be used as a preventative treatment for lymphedema)
Patients post-mastectomy still in need of breast reconstruction who developed lymphedema
Patients with early-stage lymphedema who have demonstrated improvement with lymphedema therapy

Why Refer Patients Here for Lymphedema Surgery?

Leading microvascular capabilities: Plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Rush are highly trained in state-of-the-art microvascular techniques for transplanting lymph nodes and rerouting the lymphatic system. Rush is one of the few health systems in the Chicago area offering this surgery.

Advanced robotics: Rush University Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the U.S. to use new robotic technology for microvascular lymphedema surgery. This technology allows us to operate precisely with more effective outcomes for patients.

Integrated care: At Rush, plastic and reconstructive surgeons partner with physical medicine and rehabilitation experts, lymphedema therapists and other providers to treat each patients’ lymphedema symptoms. They will create a personalized care plan for each patient.

Specialized services for breast cancer: Rush surgeons specialize in preventing and treating lymphedema after mastectomy. They can perform lymphovenous bypass during mastectomy to prevent lymphedema and provide breast reconstruction and lymphovenous surgery in one procedure.