Scar tissue removal with TE exchange surgery

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Sannoliver1
Sannoliver1 Member Posts: 25
edited September 2015 in Lymphedema

I have tissue expanders in place and will have exchange surgery in September if my LE stabilizes. My pt was suggesting my plastic surgeon try to remove some of the scar tissue that she thinks may be contributing to my LE. She has had a few patients that have done this with some success. I am just worried that I may make things worse. I'm also wondering if leaving my TE in place longer could be making my lymphedema worse. I've had one pt tell me that my swelling is post surgical edema (had my last fill May 25th) caused by TE blocking drainage off and that my edema could progress to LE if I don't get my TE soon. So I'm feeling pretty confused. Does anyone have any insight or personal experience?


Thanks ladies! Happy 4th:)

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited July 2015

    My reconstruction did not involve the use of tissue expanders but it does seem possible that they could put pressure on delicate lymphatic vessels and cause obstruction. It would be great if your surgeon were able to remove scar tissue without inducing more to develop. Call their office and ask about that.

    The holiday must have kept many people away from their computers. Hopefully someone with more relevant experience will be along soon to comment...


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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited July 2015

    sannoliver, I have no experience with TEs, but I do recall an interesting conversation (at the National Lymphedema Network conference a few years ago) with a European plastic surgeon who performs some of the LE-treatment surgeries. He said that he firmly believes that in many cases, scar removal is more effective to improve LE symptoms than any other surgical treatment currently available. It's his opinion based on clinical experience, not on any formal research, and I believe he's not the only surgeon who finds scar removal helps their patients with LE. Lymph has a hard time traveling through scar tissue.

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  • Sannoliver1
    Sannoliver1 Member Posts: 25
    edited September 2015

    Thanks for your replies. My surgeon said he wouldn't know what he could do until he was in there again. I'm also curious if anyone knows anything about different closure techniques ie sutures vs cauterizing and their effect of LE.


    Thanks!

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