Lymphedema
Contact us to see one of our fellowship-trained specialists in San Francisco at
The Buncke Clinic Center for Lymphatic Surgery
Our experienced microsurgeons provide comprehensive operative and non-operative care of lymphedema for patients in San Francisco, as well as Northern California, Southern California, and across the US.
New technology and techniques permit modern treatment of lymphedema, and we are proud to be one of the few groups in the United States with the expertise to offer expert evaluation and advanced surgical treatment, including physiologic and reductive techniques. Most commonly this includes lymphovenous bypass anastomosis (LVA, also known as LVB) and vascularized lymph node transplant (VLNT).
We also partner with oncologic surgeons to perform Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction (ILR), sometimes referred to as LYMPHA, at the time of lymph node dissection. Please ask your oncologic surgeon to contact us if you would like to consider reducing your risk of post-treatment lymphedema.
Explore the links below to learn more about lymphedema diagnosis, workup, and available treatments.
This view through an operating microscope (below) demonstrates the size of 10-0 nylon suture used for lymphedema surgery compared to a US penny, superimposed next to a lymphovenous bypass anastomosis (LVA or LVB) with blue dye demonstrating a successful connection.
We utilize indocyanine green (ICG) lymphangiography preoperatively and intraoperatively to identify target lymphatic channels. The video below demonstrates the view through an operating microscope, demonstrating lymphatic channels glowing during ICG lymphatic mapping.
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
Thank you for the privilege of entrusting your care in our hands