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Neligan. Plast Aesthet Res 2021;8:45 Plastic and
DOI: 10.20517/2347-9264.2021.39
Aesthetic Research

Opinion Open Access

Assessment of the lymphedema patient

Peter C. Neligan
Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Washington, WA 98195, USA.
Correspondence to: Prof. Peter C. Neligan, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Washington, 1959
NE Pacific St Seattle, WA 98195, USA. E-mail: pneligan@uw.edu

How to cite this article: Neligan PC. Assessment of the lymphedema patient. Plast Aesthet Res 2021;8:45.
https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2021.39

Received: 20 Apr 2021 First Decision: 2 Jul 2021 Revised: 11 Jun 2021 Accepted: 28 Jun 2021 First online: 4 Jul 2021

Academic Editor: Matthew L. Iorio Copy Editor: Yue-Yue Zhang Production Editor: Yue-Yue Zhang

Abstract
The various elements used in assessing the lymphedema patient are presented. These include the History and
Physical examination and the various measurements that include limb circumference, limb volume, and bio-
impedence spectroscopy. In addition, the different imaging techniques used to assess the lymphatic system are
discussed. Finally, a treatment algorithm is presented for the treatment of the lymphedema patient.
Keywords: Assessment, lymphedema

INTRODUCTION
As we learn more about lymphedema and have more techniques to treat it, assessment of the lymphedema
patient becomes more and more important. With a proper assessment, we can choose the most appropriate
treatment for these patients.

History
Detailed history taking is important. First, one wants to know how lymphedema started, was there an
instigating factor, or did it arise de-novo? Is this an isolated case in the patient’s family, or do other family
members also have lymphedema? In other words, is this congenital or acquired. If there was an instigating
factor, what was it, and how long ago did this occur? Has the patient had a lymph node dissection and/or
radiation? A travel history is important since we know that the leading cause of lymphedema worldwide is
[1]
filariasis . Even though I live and practice in the United States, I have several patients in my practice whose

© The Author(s) 2021. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, sharing,
adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, for any purpose, even commercially, as
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