Lymphedema Center Principles

• Provision of a screening (early detection / treatment) system for lymphedema after cancer treatment
• Provide tailored treatment of lymphedema after cancer treatment
  -Appropriate conservative treatment based on diagnostic imaging - Effective and efficient surgical treatment
• Development of diagnostic techniques and treatments based on evidence

Outline of Lymphedema Center

Our center aims to contribute to improving the quality of life and ADL of patients after cancer treatment. It is said that the number of patients with lymphedema of the upper limbs and lower limbs that occurs at a certain rate after cancer treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, etc.) is about 250,000 in Japan, 200 million worldwide. It is expected to continue increasing.

Lymphedema is an irreversible degeneration of the lymphatic vessels, and lymphatic degeneration has started before the swelling of the upper and lower limbs. Until now, treatment of lymphedema has mostly started when the swelling became apparent.
If so,the effect of the treatment was limited because lymphatic degeneration had already progressed. In most cases,it is often difficult to treat at that stage.

In recent years, with the development of diagnostic imaging technology, it has become possible to detect lymphatic degeneration at an early stage. In addition, treatment for lymphedema is not only conservative treatment such as self-drainage, compression therapy, etc., which has been the main focus so far, but also conducting appropriate surgical treatments such as lymphatic vein anastomosis, vascularized lymphatic transplantation, liposuction, etc. should improve edema and prevent worsening.

Our center will conduct comprehensive diagnosis and evaluation of lymphedema in close cooperation with our other departments and staff such as breast surgery, gynecology, radiology / imaging diagnostic center, nurses and physiotherapists. We focus on early detection and treatment, and provide tailor-made treatment such as conservative treatment and surgical treatment which should be appropriate for the needs of patients. We will also constantly work on the development of new diagnostic imaging and treatment based on evidence. In addition, we will regularly share information and carry out mutual training to improve our skills with the Lymphatic department at the Kameda Kyobashi Clinic.

Staffs

Akitatsu HAYASHI (Lymphedema Surgery)
Eisuke FUKUMA (Director of Breast Center)
Youichi MACHIDA (Chief of Radiology)
Takuto MATSUURA (Vice Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology)