Milestones are the significant actions, events and achievements that mark our progress along our longer journey to achieve the goals we set in our strategic plan. On July 3rd, we hit an exciting milestone in our goal to provide superior quality, patient safety, and outstanding outcomes. One of our plastic and reconstructive surgeons, Dr. Amanda Silva, performed the first lymphatic-venous bypass at the UVA Health University Medical Center.
This surgery utilizes super-microsurgery technique to re-route lymph fluid with blocked outflow due to scarred lymphatics to flow through a functional vein. It requires working with lymphatics less than 1 mm in diameter, using a special powerful microscope for high levels of magnification. This innovative approach can reduce the intense swelling, pain, and infection associated with lymphedema, a condition that can result from cancer or cancer treatment affecting lymph nodes. With the right care, the procedure can make a big difference in our patients’ function and quality of life.
This program’s success wouldn’t be possible without strong cross-disciplinary collaboration across the UVA Health University Medical Center, including the support of the OR team. We’re fortunate to have an excellent multidisciplinary lymphedema team, including Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Alyssa Mixon, who specializes in Cancer Rehabilitation and caring for patients with cancer-related lymphedema, and lymphedema therapist, Sara Yoder, PT, DPT, CLT.
It takes a village to guide our patients from pre-op through post-op, and this milestone is a perfect example of how we work together as one UVA Health team to provide superior quality, patient safety, and outstanding outcomes!
Thank you for your dedication and teamwork. Together, we are making incredible strides in patient care.
Take care and be well,
Wendy