Vaskulárna medicína 1/2026
Lymphedema – classification and treatment
Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition caused by dysfunction of the lymphatic system, leading to the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space. The disease has a significant functional, medical, and psychosocial impact on patients’ quality of life. This article provides a comprehensive overview of lymphedema with a focus on its classification and clinical staging according to the International Society of Lymphology. Primary and secondary lymphedema are distinguished, including their etiological factors. The clinical stages of lymphedema are described in detail, ranging from the latent stage to lymphostatic elephantiasis. A separate chapter is devoted to the surgical treatment of lymphedema, including physiological and reductive surgical techniques, their indications, advantages, and limitations. The article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, accurate classification, and a multidisciplinary approach to the management of lymphedema, which are essential for improving clinical outcomes and patients’ quality of life.
Keywords: lymphedema, lymphatic system, classification, clinical stages, surgical treatment
