The lymphatic system has three primary functions. First of all, it returns excess interstitial fluid to the blood. Of the fluid that leaves the capillary, about 90 percent is returned. The 10 percent that does not return becomes part of the interstitial fluid that surrounds the tissue cells. Small protein molecules may “leak” through the capillary wall and increase the osmotic pressure of the interstitial fluid. This further inhibits the return of fluid into the capillaries, and fluid tends to accumulate in the tissue spaces. If this continues, blood volume and blood pressure decrease significantly and the volume of tissue fluid increases, which results in edema (swelling). Lymph capillaries pick up the excess interstitial fluid and proteins and return them to the venous blood. After the fluid enters the lymph capillaries, it is called lymph.

The second function of the lymphatic system is the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and the subsequent transport of these substances to the venous circulation. The mucosa that lines the small intestine is covered with fingerlike projections called villi. There are blood capillaries and special lymph capillaries, called lacteals, in the center of each villus. The blood capillaries absorb most nutrients, but the fats and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the lacteals. The lymph in the lacteals has a milky appearance due to its high fat content and is called chyle.

The lymphatic system consists of a fluid (lymph), vessels that transport the lymph, and organs that contain lymphoid tissue.

Lymph

Lymph is a fluid similar in composition to . It is derived from blood plasma as fluids pass through capillary walls at the arterial end. As the interstitial fluid begins to accumulate, it is picked up and removed by tiny lymphatic vessels and returned to the blood. As soon as the interstitial fluid enters the lymph capillaries, it is called lymph. Returning the fluid to the blood prevents edema and helps to maintain normal blood volume and pressure.

Lymphatic Vessels

Lymphatic vessels, unlike blood vessels, only carry fluid away from the tissues. The smallest lymphatic vessels are the lymph capillaries, which begin in the tissue spaces as blind-ended sacs. Lymph capillaries are found in all regions of the body except the bone marrow, central nervous system, and tissues, such as the epidermis, that lack blood vessels. The wall of the lymph capillary is composed of endothelium in which the simple squamous cells overlap to form a simple one-way valve. This arrangement permits fluid to enter the capillary but prevents lymph from leaving the vessel.

The microscopic lymph capillaries merge to form lymphatic vessels. Small lymphatic vessels join to form larger tributaries, called lymphatic trunks, which drain large regions. Lymphatic trunks merge until the lymph enters the two lymphatic ducts. The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the upper right quadrant of the body. The thoracic duct drains all the rest.

Like veins, the lymphatic tributaries have thin walls and have valves to prevent backflow of blood. There is no pump in the lymphatic system like the heart in the cardiovascular system. The pressure gradients to move lymph through the vessels come from the skeletal muscle action, respiratory movement, and contraction of smooth muscle in vessel walls.

Lymphatic Organs

Lymphatic organs are characterized by clusters of lymphocytes and other cells, such as macrophages, enmeshed in a framework of short, branching connective tissue fibers.

The lymphocytes originate in the red bone marrow with other types of blood cells and are carried in the blood from the bone marrow to the lymphatic organs. When the body is exposed to microorganisms and other foreign substances, the lymphocytes proliferate within the lymphatic organs and are sent in the blood to the site of the invasion. This is part of the immune response that attempts to destroy the invading agent.

The lymphatic organs include:

• Lymph Nodes
• Tonsils
• Spleen
• Thymus

Our bodies use our arteries and veins to move blood that delivers oxygen and nutrients. The lymphatic system works alongside the circulatory system to deliver nutrients with larger particle sizes. Unfortunately for cancer patients, these larger particles may build up because the lymphatic system is unable to transport this fluid efficiently. The main reason for this is the removal of lymph nodes that have undergone radiation treatment. This buildup can cause swelling, called lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling due to fluid buildup in the tissues. It can affect the arms, legs, chest, abdomen and other parts of the body. So, lymph drainage is used to help move the larger particles into the lymphatic system and out of the congested areas.

Lymph drainage is so important after your cosmetic surgery to prevent complications.  This applies to Tummy tuck, Liposuction, face Lift or any other plastic surgery.

After a plastic surgery procedure, water retention, causes swelling or lumpiness to the areas treated. This is a  normal occurrence right after your surgery. This post-surgical accumulation of lymph fluid, or lymphedema, is caused by inflammation and trauma from the cannula used to suck out the fat. The channels that are formed by the cannula become filled with fluid causing swelling in the surrounding tissue. When there is an ‘injury’ to the body, such as liposuction or other surgery, the body stimulates lymphatic flow and white blood cells to the tissue while carrying away waste.

Immediately after surgery, you should make an appointment with us to provide lymph drainage. Our lymph treatment will gently move the accumulated fluid back into the lymph vessels.  This will reduce the swelling and pain resulting from the surgery.  Without lymph drainage, the post-surgical inflammation can result in fibrosis, a permanent hardening of the tissue or seroma.  Seroma is the accumulation of various body fluids resembling serum, that are typically pale yellow or transparent. The fluid fills the inside of body cavities resulting in a pocket of serum. Your doctor will typically prescribe Lymph Drainage Therapy after liposuction or other plastic surgery procedures to make sure you get the best possible results from the procedure.

CAUSEES OF LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema is a can cause swelling of the leg, arm, or oter parts of the body.  This swelling is due to the accumulation of too much lymph fluid caused by damage to the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic vessels is a system of specialized vessels whose main function is to return the lymph from the tissues back into the bloodstream.

Causes of lymphatic damage include:

• Surgery or radiation to treat cancer
• Infection
• Injury
• Post-surgery conditions
• Obesity

Lymphedema due to one of these causes, it is called secondary lymphedema.

PRIMARY LYMPHEDEMA

In some cases, lymphedema may develop without any external injury to the lymphatics. This is called primary lymphedema. One form of primary lymphedema is an inherited condition, which begins during childhood or puberty.

SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema, following cancer surgery or radiation treatment for cancer can cause swelling of one or both of the legs or arms on the same side that the cancer was treated.  In more advanced cases, the swelling may become quite severe, causing disfigurement, interference with daily activities, and emotional distress. Occasionally, patients with lymphedema may develop skin infections causing the skin to become red, painful, and warm. In some cases, fever may result.

Medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system: hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients’ homes. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. These tips tell what you can do to get safer care.

One in seven Medicare patients in hospitals experience a medical error. But medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system: In hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients’ homes. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. They can happen during even the most routine tasks, such as when a hospital patient on a salt-free diet is given a high-salt meal.

Most errors result from problems created by today’s complex health care system. But errors also happen when doctors* and patients have problems communicating. These tips tell what you can do to get safer care.

What You Can Do To Stay Safe

The best way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your health care. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results.

Medicines

1. Make sure that all of your doctors know about every medicine you are taking.
   This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.

2. Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your doctor visits.
   “Brown bagging” your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care.

3. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
   This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you.

4. When your doctor writes a prescription for you, make sure you can read it.
   If you cannot read your doctor’s handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.

5. Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand—both when your medicines are prescribed and when you get them:

   • What is the medicine for?
   • How am I supposed to take it and for how long?
   • What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
   • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
   • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

6. When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?

7. If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
   Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if “four times daily” means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.

8. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine.
   For example, many people use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people measure the right dose.

9. Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause.
   If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does or if something unexpected happens.

Hospital Stays

10. If you are in a hospital, consider asking all health care workers who will touch you whether they have washed their hands.
    Handwashing can prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.

11. When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will follow at home.
    This includes learning about your new medicines, making sure you know when to schedule follow-up appointments, and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.
    It is important to know whether or not you should keep taking the medicines you were taking before your hospital stay. Getting clear instructions may help prevent an unexpected return trip to the hospital.

Surgery

12. If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done.
    Having surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. Surgeons are expected to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.

13. If you have a choice, choose a hospital where many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need.
    Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.

Other Steps

14. Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
    You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.

15. Make sure that someone, such as your primary care doctor, coordinates your care.
    This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in the hospital.

16. Make sure that all your doctors have your important health information.
    Do not assume that everyone has all the information they need.

17. Ask a family member or friend to go to appointments with you.
    Even if you do not need help now, you might need it later.

18. Know that “more” is not always better.
    It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.

19. If you have a test, do not assume that no news is good news.
    Ask how and when you will get the results.

20. Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources.

A seroma is a collection of clear fluid that sometimes develops in the body after surgery or an injury. This fluid is made up of blood plasma that has seeped out of injured small blood vessels and fluid produced by injured and dying cells. This fluid is not infectious and the body is usually able to reabsorb it. If not, and/or the seroma is problematic, it may be drained with a catheter.

Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling due to fluid buildup in the tissues. It can affect the arms, legs, chest, abdomen and other parts of the body. Lymph drainage is used to help move the larger particles into the lymphatic system and out of the congested areas.