The Tiniest Touch, The Greatest Hope

For thousands of cancer survivors, winning the battle against the disease is only the beginning of a new, lifelong challenge: lymphedema. After treatments like lymph node removal or radiation, many are left with a constant, visible reminder of their fight—a persistent, painful swelling in an arm or leg.

It's more than just unsightly; it's a heavy burden that can limit mobility, cause discomfort, and often requires wearing tight compression sleeves for the rest of their lives to manage the swelling as there has never really been a reliable treatment for this this frustrating condition,  

Today, that changes. Hope has a new home in New Jersey.

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center has become the first hospital in the state to acquire and use the Symani® Surgical System from MMI, a robotic microsurgery platform, and a revolutionary technology poised to transform the treatment of lymphedema, making Hackensack a destination for patients in need of this kind of care from all over the world. 

Treating lymphedema surgically is one of the most delicate procedures imaginable. It involves rerouting the body’s lymphatic drainage system by connecting lymphatic vessels, which are often as thin as a human hair, to nearby veins. Think of it as creating a tiny, new detour for the trapped fluid to escape.

This "supermicrosurgery" pushes the boundaries of what the human hand can do. Even the steadiest surgeon is limited by natural hand tremors. This is where the Symani system provides a monumental leap forward.

The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robot’s arms. The system filters out any tremor and scales down the surgeon’s movements, translating them into incredibly precise, steady motions. This allows the surgical team to manipulate and suture these microscopic vessels with a level of accuracy that was once impossible, using sutures that are finer than a strand of silk.

The team of plastic surgeons at Hackensack University Medical Center, who have all undergone extensive training, are thrilled to offer this new lifeline to patients.

Richard M. Winters, MD, Chair of Plastic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center explained ,“The Symani system gives us unprecedented stability and precision. It allows us to perform these complex lymphatic repairs with a higher degree of confidence and success, offering patients a real chance to reduce their swelling and, in some cases, eliminate the need for lifelong compression garments. It’s truly a paradigm shift in our ability to restore quality of life after cancer.”

The hospital’s leadership made this major investment with a clear understanding of the profound impact lymphedema has on the community. They recognized that providing a definitive treatment, not just a way to manage symptoms, is a crucial part of comprehensive cancer survivorship care.

It means less pain, a lower risk of infection, and the freedom to live without the constant physical and emotional weight of lymphedema.

(Newswise/VK)