Lymphedema is a long-term condition caused by a buildup of fluid in the body. Lymphedema causes swelling, mobility challenges and skin changes. It requires the care of a specialist to best reduce and manage. Lymphedema can occur in the arms, legs, abdomen, breast, genitals or face. Washington University lymphedema specialists are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of lymphatic disease.

Appointments

To make an appointment with Physical Therapy, call 314-286-1940.

To make an appointment with Occupational Therapy, call 314-286-1669.

To make an appointment with Plastic Surgery for a lymphedema surgery consultation, call 314-362-7388.

To make an appointment with the Vascular Anomalies clinic, call 314-454-5476.

To make a pediatric appointment at Children’s Hospital, call 314-454-6154.

Multidisciplinary team

Services include:

Inpatient rehabilitation is available for hospitalized patients.

Conditions and treatments

Our team focuses on your unique lymphedema needs:

  • Breast cancer-related lymphedema treatment in the upper extremities
  • Lower extremity mobility concerns associated with lymphedema
  • Head and neck lymphedema during and after cancer treatment
  • Wound care
  • Treatment of vascular and lymphatic anomalies
  • Lymphedema therapy
  • Surgery

Network of excellence

The Lymphatic Education & Research Network has recognized Washington University as a Comprehensive Network of Excellence. This means we are able to provide expert diagnosis and assessment, imaging, therapy and surgery to patients. We remain at the forefront of lymphedema research and are active partners in the community.

Patient resources

Rachel Anolik, MD

Rachel A. Anolik, MD

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Locations:
Center for Advanced Medicine Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

Saif M. Badran, MD, PhD

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Locations:
Center for Advanced Medicine
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Christian Hospital

Sarah Fench, MOT, OTR/L, CHT, CLT-LANA

Occupational Therapy

Locations:
Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center

Sarah Flood, PT, DPT, CLT, WCS

Physical Therapy

Locations:
Washington University Physical Therapy – O’Fallon

Ellie George, PT, DPT

Physical Therapy

Locations:
4444 Forest Park Avenue Building

Jennifer Miller-Katsafanas

Jennifer Miller-Katsafanas, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT

Physical Therapy

Locations:
4444 Forest Park Avenue Building

Janie Pillai, DPT, PT

Janie Pillai, DPT, PT

Physical Therapy

Locations:
4444 Forest Park Avenue Building

Justin M. Sacks

Justin M. Sacks, MD, MBA

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Locations:
Center for Advanced Medicine Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital – Medical Office Building 4

Joan Scacciaferro, OTR/L, CLT

Occupational Therapy

Locations:
@4240 Building

Leonid Shmuylovich, MD, PhD

Leonid Shmuylovich, MD, PhD

Dermatology
Pediatric Dermatology

Locations:
St. Louis Children’s Hospital