Project Funding Details

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition affecting many people in the UK following a cancer diagnosis, surgery and treatment. In April 2014, due to a Health Technology and Innovations grant awarded by Welsh Government (WG), it will become possible to offer a surgical procedure (Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis), to those with mild/ moderate lymphoedema. This procedure offers the possibility of a cure for lymphoedema patients. Currently there are only two other centres in the UK that are able to offer this procedure. (Royal Marsden and Oxford) This super micro-surgical procedure which attaches inadequate lymph vessels to veins offers patients a 96% chance of symptom relief and a 74% chance of a cure for lymphoedema, something hitherto not available. It is hypothesised that this will have significant impact on the lives of those undergoing the procedure. We would like to explore with those affected, the impact of these changes, how it felt to hear about the possibility of a cure, how going through the process of assessment and finally surgery felt and what if any changes those patients have since experienced. Currently there is a void in the literature about the experience of such patients. Such evidence is desperately needed as it would help inform future patients considering this procedure and assist them in making a more informed choice. It would also support commissioners and developers to offer this service for many lymphoedema sufferers. Many of these patients have already undergone treatments for malignancy. They report that having lymphoedema as a consequence of treatment is a heavy burden especially the constant reminder of their cancer journey. For the first time, LVA offers the possibility of a cure for lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition affecting many people in the UK following a cancer diagnosis, surgery and treatment. In April 2014, due to a Health Technology and Innovations grant awarded by Welsh Government (WG), it will become possible to offer a surgical procedure (Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis), to those with mild/ moderate lymphoedema. This procedure offers the possibility of a cure for lymphoedema patients. Currently there are only two other centres in the UK that are able to offer this procedure. (Royal Marsden and Oxford) This super micro-surgical procedure which attaches inadequate lymph vessels to veins offers patients a 96% chance of symptom relief and a 74% chance of a cure for lymphoedema, something hitherto not available. It is hypothesised that this will have significant impact on the lives of those undergoing the procedure. We would like to explore with those affected, the impact of these changes, how it felt to hear about the possibility of a cure, how going through the process of assessment and finally surgery felt and what if any changes those patients have since experienced. Currently there is a void in the literature about the experience of such patients. Such evidence is desperately needed as it would help inform future patients considering this procedure and assist them in making a more informed choice. It would also support commissioners and developers to offer this service for many lymphoedema sufferers. Many of these patients have already undergone treatments for malignancy. They report that having lymphoedema as a consequence of treatment is a heavy burden especially the constant reminder of their cancer journey. For the first time, LVA offers the possibility of a cure for lymphoedema.