Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Use of reconstructive microsurgery to treat lymphedema

Official title: Use of Reconstructive Microsurgery for the Treatment of Lymphedema

Run by Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT07889856 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether reconstructive microsurgery, with or without the help of indocyanine green imaging, can help people with lymphedema feel and function better by improving lymphatic drainage.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment15 (estimated)
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 29, 2026
Main results expectedJuly 2027
Study endsJuly 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 22, 2026
Trial IDNCT07889856 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18 years and older with secondary lymphedema undergoing lymphatic-venous anastomosis or related reconstructive microsurgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with non-suitable anatomy, insufficient follow-up, or conditions that preclude microsurgical lympatic procedures may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study examines outcomes of reconstructive microsurgery for secondary lymphedema, including lymphatic-venous anastomosis and lymph node transfers performed with ultra-high magnification surgery. Procedures may use indocyanine green imaging to guide the operation and assess vessel patency in real time. Eligible adults who undergo these surgeries between 2024 and 2025 with at least six months of follow-up are included. The analysis aims to correlate surgical technique and imaging use with measurable improvements in limb volume, symptoms, and quality of life. Results will help clarify the role of advanced microsurgical approaches in lymphedema management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience reduced swelling and improved function and quality of life after microsurgical treatment.

How similar studies have gone: Previous experiences with lymphatic-venous anastomosis and microsurgical approaches have shown promising results, though larger prospective data are limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years and older (male and female);
* Patients undergoing reconstructive microsurgery with lymphatic-venous anastomosis;
* Surgical procedure performed between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025;
* Minimum follow-up period of 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Absence of one or more inclusion criteria.

Where it's running

  • IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli
    Bologna, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.