Queensland gains private hospital surgery for lymphoedema

Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane now offers advanced microsurgery for lymphoedema, becoming the state’s first private hospital to do so. Affecting an estimated 70,000 Australians, lymphoedema is commonly seen after cancer surgery involving lymph node removal and can cause chronic swelling, pain, recurrent infections, and significant physical and emotional distress.

Recently completing a lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), which was the state’s first in a private hospital setting, were specialist plastic surgeons Dr Matthew Cheng and Dr Andrew Lewandowski. The case involved a patient with aggressive skin cancer and used intricate supermicrosurgery to help reroute the patient’s lymphatic system and reduce the risk of lifelong swelling and discomfort — a prophylactic LVA being performed during the procedure, connecting tiny lymphatic vessels directly to veins to bypass damaged pathways and help prevent lymphoedema from developing.

Dr Lewandowski and Dr Cheng with patient Wendell Raasch.

“Historically, people with lymphoedema have had very limited options, often relying on compression, massage or simply learning to live with the condition,” Cheng said. “With LVA, we’re offering patients a surgical solution that can ease symptoms or even prevent lymphoedema altogether.”

Lewandowski said the new procedure represents a shift in how hospitals care for people during and beyond cancer treatment. “While we excel at treating cancers and saving lives, we have fallen short on managing the long-term consequences of invasive surgery,” Lewandowski said. “Lymphoedema can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and put them at greater risk of skin infections such as cellulitis. Being able to prevent or treat this condition is a huge step forward.”

Top image caption: LVA procedure at Greenslopes Private Hospital.