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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07889856 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
- Study coordinator: Francesco Mori
- Email: francesco.mori@ior.it
- Phone: MD
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Predicting lymphedema risk in inflammatory breast cancer patients using preoperative body impedance analysis
This study tests whether a preoperative bioimpedance test can help identify IBC patients who are at risk for developing lymphedema.
-
Boosted compression for lower limb edema
This study tests whether applying a multicomponent short-stretch bandage three times daily (boosted compression) helps reduce edema faster in people with chronic edema or lymphedema of the legs, compared with the standard single daily bandage.
-
Erector Spinae Block vs Paravertebral Block for Chronic Pain After Mastectomy
This trial tests whether an erector spinae block can better prevent chronic pain after mastectomy than a paravertebral block in adults 18–80.
-
Resistance exercise for people with lower-limb lymphedema
This study tests whether short periods of supervised resistance exercise, with and without compression garments, change swelling or symptoms in people with lower-limb lymphedema.
-
Tracking body composition changes after breast cancer treatment
This project will see how muscle mass and fat distribution change over two years in adults treated for stage I–III breast cancer.
-
Virtual reality gait exercises for lower limb lymphedema (LELO)
This trial will test whether adding VR-assisted gait training to standard Complex Decongestive Therapy helps adults with unilateral stage 2–3 lower limb lymphedema walk better, reduce swelling, and improve quality of life.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.