UVA performs new treatment for old problem

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The University of Virginia Medical Center has performed its first lymphatic venous bypass procedure.

It’s a new approach to an old problem that has left many suffering with arm and leg swelling.

Lymphedema Venous Bypass has been around for a decade, but it’s rare and the success rate has been low.

Now, that’s changing and UVA is one of the places making it happen.

Lymphedema is swelling that happens when fluid builds in between the skin and muscle.

It affects the arms and legs.

“We use a special dye and a special camera and we map the lymphatics in the patient’s limb,”Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Doctor Amanda Silva, said. “So we can see the lymphatics going along the skin, going along the arm, and then we see where it’s hitting areas where it’s scarred.”

Silva completed her first lymphatic procedure in early July.

She says the earlier the detection, the better the results.

“Earlier stage lymphedema: those are the patients that tend to respond best to this option,” Silva said.

The recovery process is an easy one and patients can usually go home the same day.

Silva advises patients to take it easy for a while to make sure things heal correctly.

“I do like patients to avoid doing their pumps or wearing their garments for four weeks because you don’t want to shear and tear those little repairs that we do you want to make sure that heals before you before you do anything that could cause the problem,” Silva said.

Silva also said she wants to do this as much as patients need it.

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