![[APHA]](/images/logo_apha.svg){kind=logo}
Advanced care for a chronic and often debilitating complication of cancer treatment is available privately for the first time in Queensland.
Greenslopes Private Hospital is the first in the state to offer microsurgery for lymphoedema, which requires lifelong care with few options for patients.
It is commonly seen after cancer surgery involving lymph-node removal, and can cause chronic swelling, pain, recurrent infections, and significant physical and emotional distress.
"Historically, people with lymphoedema have had very limited options, often relying on compression, massage or simply learning to live with the condition," Dr Matthew Cheng said.
Dr Cheng and fellow specialist plastic surgeon Dr Andrew Lewandowski completed Queensland's first lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in a private hospital setting, at Greenslopes.
Using intricate supermicrosurgery, they rerouted the lymphatic system of a patient with aggressive skin cancer to reduce the risk of lifelong swelling and discomfort.
The surgeons performed a prophylactic LVA during the procedure – connecting tiny lymphatic vessels directly to veins to bypass damaged pathways and help prevent lymphoedema from developing.
Dr Cheng and Dr Lewandowski perform the LVA procedure at Greenslopes Private Hospital
"With LVA, we're offering patients a surgical solution that can ease symptoms or even prevent lymphoedema altogether," Dr Cheng said.
Lymphoedema affects an estimated 70,000 Australians – and Dr Lewandowski said the new procedure was "a huge step forward" for their care.
"While we excel at treating cancers and saving lives, we have fallen short on managing the long-term consequences of invasive surgery," he said.
"Lymphoedema can impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and put them at greater risk of higher risk of skin infections such as cellulitis. Being able to prevent or treat this condition is a huge step forward."
Dr Cheng said Greenslopes Private Hospital, based in Brisbane's south, was leading the way in offering comprehensive, whole-of-journey cancer care.
"This is not only an exciting advancement for our surgical team, but for the many Queenslanders who deserve better access to modern, evidence-based treatments for lymphoedema," Dr Cheng said.
Read more: Michelle O'Sullivan – Greenslopes Private Hospital
Read more: Hospital 'world leader' for lymphoedema patient care
Read more: New book empowers lymphoedema patients
Next News And Innovation:
24/7/2025 Skin cancer care innovation on Sunshine Coast
Previous News And Innovation:
18/6/2025 Global award for Westmead Private Hospital team