Abstract: Transplantation of flap with lymph nodes in the treatment of lower extremity lymphedema　CHEN Chuan, PAN Jiadong, HUANG Yaopeng, YIN Shanqing, ZHOU Xianting, WANG Xin. Ningbo No.6 Hospital, Ningbo 315100, China. Corresponding author: WANG Xin (E-mail: dr.wangxin@hotmail.com).
【Abstract】　Objective　To explore the efficacy of flap transplantation with lymph nodes in the treatment of lower extremity lymphedema. Methods　From June 2019 to June 2021, 5 cases with stage II-III lower extremity lymphedema were treated with flap transplantation with lymph nodes. The size of the flap was (10-30) cm×(4-9) cm. The recipient area was selected in the lower leg area. The vessels in the recipient area were anterior tibial artery and accompanying vein. Follow up was carried out after operation. Results　One patient had partial necrosis of flap after operation. After dressing change, the wound healed with scar, and the flap of the other 4 cases survived well. After follow-up for 0.5-2 years, the peripheral diameter of the affected limb was decreased by 0.84 cm and 2.29 cm on average at 1 month and 6 months after operation. No lymphangitis was observed, and there was no lymphatic leakage and lymphedema in the donor area. Conclusion　The short-term effect of lymph node flap transplantation in the treatment of limb lymphedema is good with no complications in the donor area. It is one of the optional treatment methods for early and mid-term limb lymphedema.

Key words: 【Key words】　Lymphedema, 　Skin flap, 　Lymph node, 　Transplant