Effect of Lymphovenous Anastomosis on Lower Limb Lymphedema: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

This multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial evaluates lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for lower-limb lymphedema (LLL) in Denmark. Adults with unilateral or bilateral International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stage 1-2a LLL who have completed protocol-defined Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) are randomised 1:1 to Intervention arm - LVA surgery plus ongoing compression care Control arm - Compression care only Recruitment takes place at the Departments of Plastic Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital and Odense University Hospital. Outcomes are assessed by independent blinded staff at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. A biopsy substudy in ten LVA patients explores inflammatory and fibrotic changes. Primary endpoint is change in L-Dex ratio at 12 months. Secondary endpoints include limb volume, infection rate, lymphoscintigraphy findings, patient-reported outcomes, compression-garment use and anastomosis patency. The trial follows Good Clinical Practice and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Patients are covered by the Danish public patient-compensation scheme. Results will be published regardless of outcome, and control participants may opt for LVA after the 12-month visit.

NCT Number	NCT07073586
Lead Sponsor	Herlev and Gentofte Hospital
Conditions	Lymphedema, Lymphoedema, Lymphoedema of Leg, Lymphedema of Leg
Enrollment	66 participants
Start Date	2025-05-09
Primary Completion	2027-08 (estimated)
Study Completion	2029-08 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-07-31