Center of Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphedema-Lymphatic Diseases of Adults and Children

For the first time in Greece, the Metropolitan Hospital operates a Standard Lymphedema – Lymphatic Diseases Center, which is based on the patient’s needs and in accordance with the International Lymphoedema Society's Global Guidelines, where the Director of the Center is Evangelos Dimakakos, elected President of International Society of Lymphology.

The Lymphedema-Lymphatic diseases Center consists of a large team of Lymphatic Diseases therapists under the full guidance of the Specialized Lymphologist E. Dimakakakos, which can provide a solution related to the Lymphatic Systems’ Health.

The aim of the Center is Prevention, so that no patient will develop lymphedema. Timely, immediate information and instructions given accordingly to each patient’s needs, prior to the onset of lymphedema, and significantly before or after surgery and before the patient's radiation. In addition, immediate instructions and treatment of the recently appeared lymphedema- oedema, in order for the patient not to wear compression gloves and shocks and preserve welfare.

The diagnosis of the Lymphatic Disease is made by a highly experienced team with the help of Genetic exams (for Lymphatic Syndromes of Children), Blood tests and Imaging Exams (Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography, Computed Tomography lymphangiography, Lymphoscintigraphy, etc.), some of which are only available nationwide at the Metropolitan Hospital.

It is the only and the first Center, where the treatment of lymphedema-Lymphatic disease is carried out holistically according to the global guidelines of the International and European Lymphology Society:

Treatment guidance by the Center Director E. Dimakakakos, a specialized Lymphologist with many years of experience in the treatment of lymphedema, President of the International Society of Lymphology and Vice President of the Scientific Committee of the European Lymphological Society.
Special designed Center with very comfort and luxury rooms for the treatment of Lymphedema-Lymphatic diseases.

Reduction of Lymphedema -Oedema more than 70% at the end of the treatment if managed timely from the onset of its appearance.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage applied by specialized physiotherapists with many years of experience, which along with the reduction of oedema provides relief and relaxation to the patient.
Special training and physical exercises from experienced trainers that reduce swelling and increase confidence in movements and well-being of the patient.
Collaboration with the Lab- Genetic Center specialized in Lymphatic diseases of Infants and Children.

All members of the Clinic, the Lymphologists, the Physiotherapists and the Physical Trainer specialized in Lymphoedema, , the Specialized Dietician-nutritionist, the Radiologist-Ultrasound Expert, the Magnetic Resonance Lymphography Radiologist, the Interventional Lymphography Radiologist, the Nuclear Radiologist in Lymph Vessel Scintigraphy, the Oncology Psychologist, the Dermatologist of Lymphatic Diseases and the Biologist-Microbiologist for genetic abnormalities and syndromes, and lymphoedema-lymphatic disorders clinical testing, Surgeons specialized in the Lymphatic Diseases, remain at your disposal for any further information.

Main Points of Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema, is a condition swelling in any part of our body, caused by a lymphatic system dysfunction. It can occur either congenitally or during a person's lifetime, after surgery or due to cancer or other reasons.
Lymphedema is a common complication of surgical treatment of cancer. It is a serious condition, which causes significant psychological distress, problems in the functionality of the limb and a decrease in the patient's quality of life.
The Advisory Role and Guidance of the Doctor is mandatory for the prevention, treatment and relief of lymphedema symptoms.
Patients who are treated IMMEDIATELY after the onset of lymphedema have a better chance of symptom control and full recovery.
Lymphedema is divided into primaryand secondary Primary lymphedema is a rare hereditary condition in which the lymph nodes and lymph vessels are absent or abnormal. Secondary lymphedema can occur after surgical treatment for cancer, when lymph nodes are surgically removed, commonly along with local radiotherapy.
Advanced stage disease, radical surgery and radiotherapy are almost always associated with a risk of developing lymphedema of the limb.
Early signs and symptoms include feeling heavy, tightness or swelling in the limb or body part, swelling with a characteristic imprint on the skin from tight clothing, jewellery or tight shoes, pain, a feeling of tension in the limb or body part.
The most important measure in order to prevent the onset of lymphedema, is the immediate INFORMATION AND ADVICE FROM THE LYMPHOLOGIST DOCTOR, when oedema occurs, and especially, immediately after surgery and before the radiation therapy.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), is the only effective treatment for Lymphedema according to the Global Guidelines. It is a two-phase treatment consisted of the initial phase of intensive intervention aiming in swelling reduction and then a maintenance phase, in which the patient is trained in self-management.

Includes

Monitoring and guidance from the Medical Lymphologist
Manual lymphatic drainage, applied by physiotherapists specialized in lymphedema, which leads to an immediate reduction of swelling, along with relief and relaxation of the patient
Use of compression bandages (wrapping) or compression shocks/ gloves/ sleeves in order to maintain the treatment’s effect.
Specialized physical exercises for lymphedema, by trainers specialized in lymphedema, resulting in lymph mobilization, swelling reduction and patient’s well-being.
Specialized Dietician and Psychologist according to patient's condition and his needs.
Additional specialized treatment methods, assessing patient's needs and condition as well as other co-existing conditions.

The following pictures are example of upper limb before and after lymphedema treatment, conducted in the Center of Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphedema -Lymphatic Diseases of Adults and Children.