Lymphonodulovenous
Anastomosis (LNVA)

The procedure involves suturing a lymph node to a vein (not to be confused with LVA, where a lymphatic vessel is sutured to a vein). This procedure is suitable only for patients with leg lymphedema.

After the removal of iliac lymph nodes, often during cervical cancer treatment, the inguinal lymph nodes are heavily burdened and struggle to manage the increased fluid volume, causing lymph to accumulate in the tissues.

During LNVA surgery, additional veins are sutured to the inguinal lymph nodes under a microscope, allowing the lymph node to drain a significantly larger volume of lymph into the bloodstream, thus preventing its accumulation in the leg tissues.

LNVA requires preoperative diagnostics (fluorescent lymphography) to identify the most actively functioning lymph node.

This surgery is suitable even for patients for whom LVA is no longer possible. However, like anastomoses, it is most effective in patients with early-stage (first and second) edema.