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Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis (LVA)
What is Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis?
Lymphovenous Anastomosis (LVA)—also known as “lymph bypass surgery”—is a minimally invasive microsurgical procedure designed to treat lymphedema by improving lymphatic drainage. Using microsurgical techniques, surgeons reroute excess lymphatic fluid into the body’s venous system. By connecting tiny lymphatic vessels (which carry fluid) directly to small veins (which drain it), LVA helps reduce swelling and prevent fluid buildup. This advanced technique is most effective when performed early in the course of lymphedema and can dramatically improve both quality of life and limb appearance.
Key Information
Minimally invasive: Uses tiny incisions and microscopes to reroute lymph flow.
Best for early-stage cases: Most effective before significant tissue damage.
Same-day surgery: No hospital stay—go home the same day.
Eases swelling and heaviness: Improves circulation and reduces fluid buildup.
May reduce need for therapy: Can lessen reliance on compression over time.
No drains needed: Low risk, minimal recovery.
Dual-surgeon precision: Performed by two expert microsurgeons at PRMA.
Can be combined: Works alongside lymph node transfer for added benefit.
Insurance-friendly: Often covered—our team helps with approvals.
Quality of life boost: Helps patients feel more comfortable and confident.
What to Expect During Surgery
Lymphovenous Anastomosis is a delicate outpatient surgery that uses microsurgical techniques to create new drainage routes for lymphatic fluid. During surgery, your PRMA microsurgeons use specialized microscopes to locate tiny, functioning lymphatic vessels—sometimes less than 0.5 millimeters in diameter. Once identified, these lymphatic channels are carefully connected, or “anastomosed,” to equally small nearby veins. This connection forms a lymphaticovenous bypass, allowing fluid that would normally get trapped to flow directly into the venous system and circulate out of the body naturally.
Several bypasses are usually performed in one procedure, depending on the severity and location of your symptoms. The surgery involves only small 1–2 cm incisions, typically placed near the wrist, forearm, ankle, or calf. Because the technique is so precise and minimally invasive, LVA does not require surgical drains, and most patients return home the same day. At PRMA, every procedure is performed by two board-certified microsurgeons working in tandem—ensuring maximum accuracy, efficiency, and safety throughout the process.
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Before & After
See real results from women who’ve trusted PRMA with their reconstruction journey.
Before
Before
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before
Before
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before
Before
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before
Before
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Find Your Surgeon
PRMA’s board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 1,000 DIEP flap procedures every year, making us one of the most experienced breast reconstruction centers in the world. Every surgery is performed by two microsurgeons, enhancing safety, precision, and outcomes—with a flap success rate of over 99%. With more than 15,000 reconstructions performed to date, our team delivers world-class expertise you can trust.
Preparing for Surgery
Whether you live in Texas or are traveling from across the country—or even internationally—our team helps coordinate every detail, from travel and lodging to pre-op planning. We’re here to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.