Multidisciplinary Care in Lymphedema: It's Not Just About the Surgery | Quick Hits!-Full Presentation: Multidisciplinary Care in Lymphedema

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The on-demand session focuses on the multidisciplinary care of lymphedema, highlighting the necessity of collaboration beyond surgical interventions. Drew Singal moderates the session featuring Dr. Carolyn de la Cruz, Dr. Mark Shavarian, and Dr. Minjung Cho. Dr. Shavarian discusses building a comprehensive lymphedema care program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasizing the pivotal role of physical therapy and a team-based approach involving diagnostic imaging, standardized pathways, and patient education. Dr. de la Cruz underscores the longstanding importance of conservative treatment in lymphedema care and elaborates on how manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) work. She explores the integration of imaging and therapy to develop effective treatment plans. Dr. Cho provides an overview of imaging modalities like lymphocintigraphy, MR lymphangiography, and ICG lymphangiography, explaining their roles in diagnosis, treatment planning, and postoperative evaluation. The panel agrees on the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, integrating innovative imaging and therapy techniques into the care, and addressing the psychological and nutritional aspects. Lastly, they discuss the challenges of initiating lymphedema programs and the strategies for securing the necessary resources and recognition from institutional leadership and insurance companies. The discussion highlights that treating lymphedema involves more than surgical innovation—it demands a comprehensive, collaborative team effort.

Keywords

Lymphatic System

surgical intervention

Collaborative Care Models

non surgical

Chronic Condition Management

Lymphedema

Multidisciplinary care

Collaboration

Surgical interventions

Physical therapy

Diagnostic imaging

Patient education

Manual lymphatic drainage

Complete decongestive therapy

Imaging modalities

Interdisciplinary approach

Innovative techniques

Institutional leadership

Insurance companies