Using Lymphovenous Bypass to Alleviate Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Plain-language summary

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin. Long-term metabolic disorders can cause structural and functional changes in many organs, mainly affecting the vascular system, and leading to complications in the eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication, affecting about 50% of patients. According to the Chinese Diabetes Association, DPN is diagnosed when diabetic patients exhibit signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction, as determined by physical examination or electrophysiological testing, after excluding other causes. The prevalence of DPN in diabetic patients is generally over 30%, with 20-30% experiencing significant pain and mobility issues, severely affecting quality of life and increasing the risk of amputation. Prevention and control rely on strict blood sugar management and lifestyle adjustments, as no medication or surgical intervention can cure DPN. The lymphatic system plays an immunological role in regulating immune cell migration and inflammatory responses. Supermicrosurgical lymphovenous bypass (LVB) has become a routine treatment for lymphedema, allowing high-pressure lymph fluid to drain into non-occluded deep venous systems, alleviating lymphedema, restoring TH1 and TH2 balance, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing antioxidant capacity. LVB may delay DPN progression, alleviate pain (DPNP), and promote diabetic foot ulcer healing. In our clinical experience, a patient with Charcot's neuroarthropathy and chronic plantar ulcers underwent LVB alongside wound care. Five years of follow-up showed complete wound healing without further amputation, despite poor HbA1c control. Thus, we aim to further accumulate clinical experience and data, study histological changes, and confirm the benefits of this surgery to help similar patients.

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