ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress on the clinical application of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). MethodsA comprehensive review of previous literature on LVA was conducted, summarizing the anastomosis sites, techniques, number of anastomoses, and clinical applications, with particular emphasis on the evolution and development of LVA anastomosis sites and techniques. Results LVA is a bypass drainage surgery that has undergone multiple stages of development since its inception. Due to individual differences, the location, method, number of anastomoses, and clinical applications are often based on the surgeon’s experience, and there is still no unified application scenario. ConclusionLVA is a highly promising surgical procedure that can effectively relieve symptoms of early- and mid-stage lymphedema. With the advantages of minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery, it can serve as a first-line surgical option for lymphedema.
Objective To summarize the research progress of rodent models of secondary lymphedema (SL) and provide a reference for selecting appropriate animal models in SL research. Methods Recent literature on rodent SL models at home and abroad was comprehensively analyzed, summarizing model categories, development techniques, strengths, and weaknesses. Results Current research primarily utilizes rats and mice to establish SL models. The main model types include hind limb, forelimb, tail, and head/neck models. The hind limb model is the most frequently employed, typically requiring surgery combined with irradiation to induce stable chronic edema. Forelimb models primarily simulate upper limb lymphedema, but exhibit relatively rapid edema resolution. Tail models offer operational simplicity and are predominantly used for studying acute edema mechanisms and interventions; however, they demonstrate poor clinical relevance. Emerging head/neck models provide a valuable tool for investigating head and neck cancer-associated lymphedema. These models exhibit variations in lymphedema duration, degree of fibrosis, and edema incidences. Conclusion Existing models still fall short in faithfully replicating the chronicity, fibrosis, fat deposition, and complex microenvironment characteristic of human chronic lymphedema. Future research must integrate multidisciplinary approaches, optimize model construction strategies, and explore novel modeling approaches to more accurately mimic the human disease and advance SL prevention and treatment research.