Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) versus lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL): a retrospective cohort study of effectiveness over time

Purpose: Microsurgical reconstruction, including vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) and lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), have emerged as promising treatment options for chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Despite their clinical relevance, the precise timelines for patient improvement following these interventions remain rather unexplored. Therefore, the goal of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes and improvement patterns over time of VLNT versus LVA to lay open potential differences and aid in personalized counseling of future patients.

Methods: A prospectively maintained, encrypted database was analyzed for patients with chronic BCRL treated with either VLNT or LVA with a minimum follow-up of one year. Patient-specific variables, such as body weight and circumferential arm measurements at distinct locations on both arms were documented preoperatively and on regular postoperative outpatient follow-ups.

Results: This study comprised 112 patients, of which 107 patients fully completed the one-year follow-up period. Both VLNT and LVA achieved significant arm size reductions. LVA showed an early peak in effectiveness within the first three months, followed by a subsequent decrease and eventual stabilization. Contrarily, VLNT exhibited a distinct pattern with two significant peaks at three and eighteen months.

Conclusions: VLNT and LVA are both effective in long-term lymphedema management, yet they demonstrate marked differences in the timing of improvement. VLNT shows a delayed but more durable response, in contrast to the greater but shorter-lasting surge in effectiveness achieved by LVA. Interestingly, VLNT demonstrates an earlier onset of therapeutic impact than previously understood.