Vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) surgery is part of Dr. Granzow’s FLOSM comprehensive lymphedema treatment system. Dr. Granzow pioneered the first comprehensive lymphedema treatment system which fully integrates lymphedema surgeries and lymphedema therapy, known as the Functional Lymphatic Operations (FLO)SM System. Dr. Granzow’s treatment system has been consistent and effective in treating lymphedema patients from all over the world.
What makes Dr. Granzow’s lymphedema treatment system unique is his focus on matching the type of lymphedema treatment and surgery to each patient’s condition to produce the maximum effectiveness. The fact is that no single procedure is effective for all cases of lymphedema.
VLNT can be extremely effective for the treatment of lymphedema of the arm or leg. The technique can either replace lymph nodes lost through surgery and/or radiation with healthy, functioning lymph nodes and tissues taken from elsewhere in the body or add lymph nodes to further improve lymphatic drainage.
For this technique to be successful, the swelling in the extremity must be composed of mostly lymphatic fluid. Individuals with deposition of solid in the form of fat or protein require Suction-Assisted Protein Lipectomy (SAPL) to reduce the size of the limb.
We have seen significant improvements in many patients’ lymphedema symptoms with this technique. We have had many patients be able to completely eliminate the need for routine compression garment use following our VLNT surgery.
