The lymphatic system is a network of lymphatic vessels throughout the body that, among other things, carries fluid and protein back to the blood circulation. There are lymph nodes in various parts of the body (groin, armpit, neck, abdomen, among others).

The lymphatic vessels come together in the lymph nodes and there is a connection with the blood vessels. Along that route, the lymphatic fluid is drained away. When that drainage does not work or does not work properly, lymphoedema occurs. That accumulation of fluid and, therefore, swelling of the limbs can be very debilitating.

Treating quickly is crucial

Lymphoedema can be treated. The sooner treatment is started, the less debilitating the disease will be for the patient and the less risk of infection and progression of the disease. It is essential to treat lymphoedema early. The earlier the treatment, the more treatment options are available. Patients often experience a permanently disabling burden if they wait too long.

Lymphoedema is classified into 4 stages (according to World Health Organisation guidelines):

• Stage 0: There is a lymph problem (at the level of the lymph nodes or lymph vessels), but there is no thickening of the limb yet (latent stage).
   
• Stage 1: There is swelling of the limb, which can be pushed away (pitting oedema). Here the lymphatic vessels are still functional.
   
• Stage 2: There is swelling of the limb that can no longer be pushed away (non-pitting oedema). Fibrosis (scarring) of the lymphatic vessels already occurs here.
   
• Stage 3: A heavy, swollen body with fattening of the lymph fluid (elephantiasis). This is the development over the long-term, untreated lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema treatments.

Until recently, conservative, nonsurgical treatment was the only option for patients. Treatment then consisted only of intensive physiotherapy.

For several years, however, surgical treatment has been available for specific indications using microsurgical techniques.

Depending on the condition, a combination of treatments is also possible.

Multidisciplinary approach

Lymphoedema is a challenging disease to treat. A cure is not easy to achieve.

In the UZ Brussel  Lymphoedema Clinic, established in 2016, the emphasis is therefore on a multidisciplinary approach. Specialists from Physiotherapy, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vascular Surgery, Radiology and Plastic Surgery, among other departments, combine their expertise to offer patients the best possible treatment according to their condition and care needs.

In addition to care, the experts at the Lymphoedema Clinic also pay special attention to research to develop new and safe treatments for the disease.