Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling and fluid build up in parts of the body. Lymphedema can be painful, challenging and an emotionally overwhelming condition.

Lymphedema happens when lymphatic fluids fail to drain properly. This is usually attributed to cancer treatments which involve lymph node removal or radiation therapy.  After lymph nodes or vessels are removed lymph fluid does not drain properly. The lymph fluid contains protein, water and immune cells. 

The most common sights for swelling  occurs in the arms and legs, but fluid buildup and swelling can spread to the gentile area, neck head and the abdomen.

There is no cure for lymphedema but managed correctly patients can go on to live full lives.  At USF Health our providers offer expert guidance, cutting-edge technology and a compassionate and caring approach.  Our goal is to produce the very best outcomes for every patient by offering a unique care program, tailored to fit each individuals needs.

At USF Health our treatment plans focus on restoring function, reducing inflammation and preventing complications. 

Non Surgical Therapies

• Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
• Manual lymphatic Drainage
• Compression Garments
• Exercise Programs (specifically designed for lymphedema(
• Nutrition Counseling
• Skin Care Education

Surgical Interventions Physiological and Ablative 

Physiologic
These procedures restore lymphatic drainage by reconnecting or transferring lymphatic pathways.

• Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB) 
• Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNT)

Ablative
These procedures are considered for more advanced cases. The following  techniques provide relief when physiologic methods alone are not sufficient.

• Liposuction
• Excisional Surgery

Robotic Lymphatic Microsurgery 

USF Health proudly offers robotic lymphatic microsurgery using the Symani® Surgical System, representing a major advancement in lymphedema care.  This is a major advancement in lymphedema care. USF Department of Plastic Surgery with Tampa General Hospital is the first center in the Southeast United States and among only a select few nationwide equipped with this cutting-edge technology. 

The Symani system allows surgeons to perform supermicrosurgical procedures with unparalleled precision, especially when working with delicate lymphatic structures as small as 0.3 millimeters in diameter.

As a result, robotic-assisted lymphatic surgery has the potential to improve patient outcomes, shorten recovery time, and expand access to advanced surgical options for patients who were previously not considered candidates for microsurgical procedures.

The Symani® Surgical System represents a major advancement in lymphedema care. USF Health continues to lead the region in innovation by incorporating robotic microsurgery into our lymphedema program.

This technology allows us to offer more precise, less invasive surgical solutions that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by lymphedema.

This robotic platform enhances the surgeon’s natural dexterity and eliminates hand tremor, enabling more accurate suturing and vessel manipulation than traditional manual techniques. As a result, robotic-assisted lymphatic surgery has the potential to improve patient outcomes, shorten recovery time, and expand access to advanced surgical options for patients who were previously not considered candidates for microsurgical procedures.

Benefits of robotic lymphatic microsurgery with the Symani system include:

• Enhanced surgical precision for delicate lymphatic and venous connections
• Improved visualization and magnification of microscopic structures
• Minimized surgical trauma, preserving surrounding tissues
• Expanded patient eligibility for microsurgical procedures
• Increased consistency and accuracy in complex surgical tasks
• Potential for shorter recovery times and better long-term outcomes
• Improved overall quality of life for patients with chronic lymphedema