Refining planning of lymphedema surgery of the extremities using MRI and CT imaging techniques.

Lymphedema surgery planning necessitates a simple and as complete as possible examination with maximum information. Using magnetic resonance lymphography, we describe in this chapter that the lymphedema pathology of an affected limb can be mapped clearly (especially for lymphovenous anastomosis surgery) and surgical planning can be perfectly done based on the images and protocol. We also describe our algorithm for extremity lymphedema (Brussels Approach to Limb Lymphedema Surgery protocol). Further refinements using a computed tomography scanner for the vascularized groin lymph node flap (VGLNF) can be done, especially when planning an autologous breast reconstruction conjoined with VGLNF in one surgery.