The feasibility of a fiber optic laser approach to relieving lymphedematous syndrome: a case report

Beniamino Palmieri,1,2 Alessandro Di Cerbo,1,2 Valentina Rottigni,1,2 Gregorio Fistetto,2 Tommaso Iannitti2,31University of Modena, Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, 2Poliambulatorio del Secondo Parere, Modena, Italy; 3University of Kentucky, Department of Physiology, Lexington, KY, USAAbstract: Here we report a case of successful fiber optic laser treatment of lymphedema in a swollen arm post mastectomy. At the moment, this procedure has only anecdotal evidence to justify its use, but in our experience is a feasible, minimally invasive day-stay procedure which has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. Further nonhomogeneous case pooling and follow-up would enable guidelines and definite surgical protocols for its use to be implemented.Keywords: fiber optic, lymphedema, Nd:YAG, laser, mastectomy