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:
- Physical therapy, from Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT)
- Occupational therapy, from Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT)
- Surgery
- Vascular anomalies
- Dermatology
- Genetics
- Hematology/Oncology
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
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 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
Jennifer Miller-Katsafanas, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT
Physical Therapy
Locations:
4444 Forest Park Avenue Building
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
Leonid Shmuylovich, MD, PhD
Dermatology
Pediatric Dermatology
Locations:
St. Louis Children’s Hospital