National award recognises pioneering lymphoedema surgery service

A team hosted by Swansea Bay that is helping transform the lives of lymphoedema patients across Wales has won a prestigious national award for creative and innovative practice.

The Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis (LVA) Collaboration, led by the Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network in partnership with the Regional Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team, received the Welsh Government Award for Creative and Innovative Practice.

The award recognises a service that has made Wales the first and only UK nation to offer LVA surgery through the NHS, giving eligible patients access to a treatment that is otherwise largely available only through private healthcare.

Lymphoedema is a lifelong condition caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid, leading to swelling, discomfort and reduced mobility. It often develops following cancer treatment and can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Established in 2015 with Welsh Government funding, the service is led by allied health professionals working closely with specialist plastic surgeons.

Recognising the limited long-term evidence available for LVA surgery, the team analysed data from 150 NHS Wales patients who underwent the procedure. The findings have provided valuable real-world evidence of its long-term benefits and are helping to shape future service development.

Patient experience was central to the project. Service users shared their stories and helped develop a Patient Reported Outcome Measure, enabling therapists, commissioners and service providers to better understand what matters most to people living with lymphoedema.

The judges praised the team's combination of specialist expertise, thoughtful service development and commitment to accessibility, describing it as a sustainable model with national significance. They also highlighted its success in reducing health inequalities by reaching patients in rural communities.

Dr Cheryl Pike, National Macmillan Innovations Lymphoedema Specialist with the Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network, said: "We're the only nation in the UK that provides LVA surgery on the NHS.

"The service was funded by Welsh Government in 2015 and since then we've worked hard to demonstrate its value for patients and for NHS Wales."

LVA, or lymphaticovenous anastomosis, is a highly specialised form of super-microsurgery in which lymphatic vessels are connected to nearby veins to improve drainage and reduce swelling.

Cheryl said: "The award recognises not only the surgery itself, but the collaboration between our lymphoedema team and plastic surgeons, and the fact we're able to offer the service to eligible patients across Wales."

A key feature of the service is its focus on delivering care as close to home as possible. Clinicians travel throughout Wales carrying out specialist indocyanine green (ICG) scans, which map the lymphatic system and help determine whether surgery is suitable.

"We carry out specialist ICG scans in locations across the country, including North Wales, so patients can access assessment more locally," Cheryl said.

"The scans allow us to map the lymphatic system and determine whether surgery is likely to be beneficial."

Patients suitable for surgery are referred to the plastic surgery team at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, where the procedure is performed as a day-case operation.

"The operation itself is a day-case procedure, meaning patients don't need to stay overnight in hospital," Cheryl added.

"Afterwards, we continue to support them locally, often working alongside local lymphoedema teams to reduce the amount of travelling they need to do."

The team's evaluation showed significant benefits for both patients and the NHS, including reductions in cellulitis infections, hospital admissions, GP appointments and time off work.

Around three-quarters of patients undergoing LVA surgery developed lymphoedema following cancer treatment.

"For many, the surgery helps restore day-to-day independence and quality of life," Cheryl said.

"It can mean improved mobility, less pain and swelling, and the ability to do things many people take for granted, such as housework, walking comfortably, wearing jewellery again, or finding clothes and shoes that fit properly."

The service has also demonstrated wider economic and social benefits.

"We've shown a clear cost benefit not only for the NHS but for society more widely, because people are able to return to work, resume their normal activities and spend more time with family and friends," Cheryl said.

The team continues to collect outcome data to ensure the service remains evidence-based and sustainable. Its specialist imaging equipment has recently been replaced with support from Welsh Government and Swansea Bay University Health Board, ensuring patients continue to benefit from the latest technology.

Reflecting on the award win, Cheryl said: "The competition was extremely strong. To be recognised at a national level was a real surprise and a tremendous honour for everyone involved in the service."

Welsh Government's Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, said: “Wales is the only nation in the UK to offer this pioneering surgery through the NHS, and this award reflects the team's exceptional commitment to improving lives.

"For patients living with lymphoedema, many of whom have already faced cancer treatment, access to this procedure can be truly transformative. This is Welsh NHS innovation at its very best – something that we as a Welsh Government are determined to support and champion.”

Notes to editors

Nominations for the Advancing Healthcare Awards Cymru are now open. The closing date is 22nd July. Find out more by logging on to: ahawards.co.uk/cymru/