Lymphatic disease care

Lymphatic disorders and lymphedema are complex conditions. That’s why our specialists meet every week to review each case in detail. Surgeons, interventional radiologists, physiatrists, anesthesiologists, and other experts in lymphatic disorders work together to develop a plan that’s specific to your needs. By bringing many perspectives together, we can better understand your condition and design the right treatment for you. We also include your family and referring provider in the process, so your care is coordinated, thorough, and focused on giving you the best possible outcome.

Lymphatic disorders can be difficult to see without the right tools. At Penn Medicine, our radiologists use advanced imaging tests to look inside the lymphatic system and find problems like blockages or leaks.

These tests help your care team understand what’s happening and guide treatment:

• Intranodal lymphangiogram: With ultrasound guidance, we access a lymph node in the groin and inject an oil-based contrast dye so lymphatic vessels can be seen on an x-ray image.
• Dynamic contrast enhanced MR lymphangiography (DCMRL): This test uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a gadolinium-based contrast dye injected into lymph nodes. It provides detailed images of the central lymphatic system, showing both its structure and how it functions.

Penn Medicine’s interventional radiology team specializes in minimally invasive treatments or interventions that avoid the need for open surgery. As one of the oldest and largest programs in the country, you receive care from leading experts who are highly skilled in the most advanced techniques.

We use a procedure called lymphatic embolization to seal leaking lymphatic vessels, stop fluid buildup, and ease symptoms. It begins with detailed imaging to identify the problem area. Then, with x-ray guidance, tiny tools are used to place surgical glue, coils, or plugs to close the leaks. For many people, this treatment provides lasting relief without the recovery time of traditional surgery.

Additionally, we also perform lymphatic decompression procedures to reduce the buildup of pressure in the lymphatic system. These procedures include surgical thoracic duct/venous surgical bypass, angioplasty of the TD venous junction.

Managing conditions like lymphedema takes specialized care. At Penn Medicine, our physiatrists who specialize in lymphedema will help diagnose and manage the disease process. They collaborate closely with GSPP Rehabilitation’s certified lymphedema therapists (CLTs), who are trained to help you reduce swelling, improve mobility, and manage symptoms. They use techniques like lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and exercise.