Fundamentals of Lymphedema

Evaluation of lymphedema patients with appropriate staging is fundamental for further treatment. Herein, we present a summary of the pathophysiology of lymphedema, the different etiologies, diagnostic tools, and how to stage the progression of the disease. We also provided a summary of the different non-surgical and surgical modalities for the treatment of lymphedema, which include physiologic or excisional procedures. The type of surgical approach and different techniques that can be incorporated, individually or in combination, depends on the surgeon’s expertise and the patient’s lymphedema status. Finally, a state-of-the-art summary is provided indicating the latest techniques on the primary prevention of lymphedema.