Recruiting

Testing a surgical procedure to improve swelling after cancer treatment

Plain-English translation of NCT06082349 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial tests whether a surgical procedure called lymphaticovenous anastomosis can help cancer survivors with persistent arm or leg swelling. The procedure involves making tiny connections between damaged lymph vessels and nearby veins under a surgical microscope to help fluid drain better. Half of the participants will receive the real surgery, and half will receive a sham (pretend) surgery to fairly compare how well the procedure actually works.

Swelling in the arms and legs after cancer treatment affects many survivors and can be painful and limiting. While conservative treatments like special massage and compression help some patients, many people continue to suffer despite these efforts. This trial is studying whether this new surgical approach offers a real solution for people whose swelling doesn't improve with standard care.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you were treated for cancer and had lymph nodes removed or received radiation therapy
you have early-stage swelling in one arm or leg that developed after cancer treatment
you have been receiving conservative swelling treatment (like massage or compression) for at least three months without enough improvement
your lymph vessels are still healthy enough for surgery, as confirmed by special imaging
you have given informed consent to participate

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had lymph vessel surgery in the past 10 years
you have advanced-stage swelling with severe fatty tissue buildup or scarring
you are currently receiving active cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation), though some hormone or targeted therapies are okay
you have active infection in the swollen limb or active cancer that has spread
you have swelling caused by vein problems rather than lymph system damage

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you will be randomly assigned to either receive the real microsurgery procedure or a sham procedure—both done under local anesthesia. You'll be kept unaware of which procedure you received during the operation by wearing a blindfold and noise-canceling headphones. After surgery, you'll return for follow-up visits at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, each lasting about 45 minutes, where doctors will measure your swelling and you'll complete digital questionnaires. Some participants will also join an extended follow-up study that continues until the researchers are ready to analyze the final results.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 26, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(3 sites)

Netherlands

Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland

Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Limburg

Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, South Holland