Lower limb LE from DIEP?

dressager

Can anyone speak about the risk of lower limb or truncal lymphedema as the result of DIEP flap surgery? I have some mild LE in one arm and am scheduled for DIEP next month. I did have abdominal hysterectomy last month with no LE issues.

I feel like a slacker if I don't get at least one major surgery a month.

lymphedemapeople

I found an interesting  page http://diepflap.com/article-0065.html

Scroll down and this page shows pictures of the cuts involved.  Picture A is straight across the ab. Anytime there is this type of incision, there is a risk of lower leg lymphedema.  It may be slight, but it is still there. 

Dr. Ried of Peninsula Medical has an interesting article on a survey he conducted on reconstruction http://www.lymphedema.com/rsparti.htm.  He seems to confirm the possibilities.

Not an easy decision, and I wish you the very best.  BTW,  I dad have to chuckle about your surgery a month comment.  That sounds like me,,,,its summer....time for another surgery :-)  Pat Lymphedema People 

dressager

Thanks, Pat--that was a very interesting article. I now have a much clearer idea of how the procedure happens.