Lymphedema Treatment in China: An American Patient Case
After living with secondary lymphedema for six years and undergoing four surgeries in the United States, an American patient travelled from Washington State to Shenzhen, China, seeking another treatment option. Her experience provides a real-world example of an international patient travelling to China for highly specialized medical care.
Six Years of Lymphedema and Four Previous Surgeries
Amy (pseudonym), a patient from Washington State in the United States, developed secondary lymphedema following surgery for a gynecological tumor approximately six years earlier.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage. It can occur following cancer surgery involving lymph-node removal or after radiation treatment.
Amy’s symptoms initially began with a feeling of heaviness in her leg.
Over time, however, the swelling became progressively worse. Her leg increased in size, the tissue became firmer, and everyday activities such as walking comfortably and wearing fitted clothing became increasingly difficult.
Seeking treatment in the United States, she underwent four procedures:
Two liposuction/debulking procedures
Two lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) procedures
Despite these interventions, the swelling did not fully resolve.
According to the case published by Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, repeated surgery also left significant scar tissue in her left thigh, while the swelling, firmness and discomfort continued.
When Amy returned to her surgeon seeking another option, she was reportedly told that further LVA surgery was no longer considered possible.
She began searching internationally for another solution.
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Finding a Lymphedema Team in Shenzhen
During her research, Amy came across a published clinical case involving the treatment of complex, refractory lymphedema following previous surgery.
The paper described a particularly challenging case involving persistent lymphedema, ulceration and lymphatic leakage after a Charles procedure.
The surgical team behind the publication was led by Dr. Zhou Zhegang at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, whose work focuses on microsurgical treatment of lymphedema.
Amy contacted the team directly by email.
Her main question was straightforward:
Could anything still be done for the swelling in her left thigh after she had already been told that further surgery was no longer an option?
After reviewing her medical records, the team believed that another surgical approach could potentially be considered.
However, Amy did not immediately board a flight to China.
Approximately three months passed between her initial contact and her eventual admission to the hospital in Shenzhen.
During this period, the medical team held several online discussions with her in English to explain the proposed procedure, preoperative preparation and postoperative recovery.
Eventually, Amy travelled alone from the United States to Shenzhen for treatment.
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Why Was Her Fifth Surgery More Difficult?
This would be Amy’s fifth operation for lymphedema, and the previous procedures made the new surgery considerably more complicated.
LVA is a form of supermicrosurgery in which very small functioning lymphatic vessels are connected to appropriately sized veins.
Normal lymphatic vessels can measure approximately 0.3–0.8 mm in diameter.
Performing these connections therefore requires extremely precise microsurgical technique under high magnification.
Amy’s case presented an additional challenge.
Previous liposuction procedures and surgeries had altered the normal anatomy of her left thigh. Functional lymphatic vessels and accompanying veins were surrounded by dense postoperative scar tissue.
The surgical challenge was therefore not simply to perform another anastomosis.
The team first needed to identify functioning lymphatic vessels and suitable veins within tissue that had already undergone multiple previous operations.
After preoperative assessment and surgical planning, the team proceeded with revision surgery.
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A Two-Hour Supermicrosurgical Procedure
According to the hospital’s published case, the surgical team carefully dissected through the scarred tissue under high magnification.
They were able to identify functioning lymphatic vessels and compatible veins and complete the planned supermicrosurgical anastomosis.
The procedure lasted approximately two hours and was reported to have proceeded smoothly.
Amy noticed changes shortly after surgery.
The following day, she told the medical team that her affected leg felt significantly lighter when walking.
The hospital also reported that:
Her knee circumference decreased by approximately 1 cm
Previously firm and swollen areas of the thigh became softer
She reported no postoperative pain at that stage
These were early postoperative findings, and they should not be interpreted as a guarantee of long-term results for other patients.
Amy subsequently returned to the United States.
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Why This Case Is Particularly Interesting for International Patients
Amy’s story is not simply an example of an American patient travelling overseas because treatment was less expensive.
Her motivation was different.
She had already undergone treatment at major medical institutions in the United States and had received four previous operations.
She travelled to China because she was looking for a highly specialized surgical team willing and able to evaluate a difficult revision case.
That distinction is important.
Medical travel to China is not necessarily about finding the cheapest treatment.
For some international patients, the motivation may instead be:
Access to a particular specialist, a different surgical technique, another medical opinion, or treatment options for a complex case.
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Lymphedema Treatment at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital
According to information published by Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, its microsurgical lymphatic surgery team has accumulated experience from more than 2,000 supermicrosurgical procedures for lymphedema.
The department treats patients with primary and secondary lymphedema, including complex cases involving previous operations or recurrent disease.
The hospital also reported treating international surgical patients from countries including:
United States
Australia
Canada
Vietnam
In addition to clinical treatment, the department operates an international supermicrosurgery training program and has trained medical professionals from multiple countries.
These figures and statements are based on information published by the hospital itself and have not been independently verified by China MedCare.
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What Can International Patients Learn From This Case?
Amy’s experience highlights several practical considerations for patients considering specialized treatment in China.
1. A previous unsuccessful treatment does not automatically determine what another medical team will recommend
Different medical centers may have different expertise, technologies and experience.
For patients with complex conditions, obtaining another professional medical opinion can sometimes identify options that were not previously considered.
However, this does not mean that every patient who has been told surgery is unsuitable will become eligible for surgery elsewhere.
A new medical team must independently evaluate each case.
2. Remote assessment can be useful before international travel
Amy did not simply travel to Shenzhen hoping that treatment would be possible.
Her records were reviewed beforehand, and discussions took place before she travelled.
For international patients, this can be particularly important because travelling internationally for medical care involves significant cost and planning.
3. Highly specialized experience may matter more than geography
Patients often begin by asking:
“Which country has the best healthcare?”
For highly specialized conditions, a better question may sometimes be:
“Which medical team has extensive experience treating my specific condition?”
Amy ultimately travelled across the Pacific because she had identified a team whose published work was directly relevant to her medical situation.
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Important Information
Every patient’s medical situation is different.
The treatment described in this case was specific to one individual and does not mean that the same procedure, outcome or treatment plan will be appropriate for another patient with lymphedema.
Treatment eligibility, expected outcomes, risks and costs must be assessed by qualified medical professionals at the treating hospital.
This article is independently summarized and adapted from a patient story published by Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. China MedCare was not involved in this patient’s care, diagnosis or treatment.
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