Lymphaticovenous bypass (or LVB) is a surgical procedure designed to address lymphedema by restoring lymphatic drainage. The injured lymphatic channels are connected - or bypassed - to tiny veins nearby. This restores the flow of lymphatic fluid, allowing it to drain out of the arm or leg. By creating this new pathway, LVB targets the root cause of lymphedema: the blocked lymphatic drainage.

The incisions required for this minimally invasive surgery are relatively small, typically about the width of two fingers. Because the lymphatic vessels and tiny veins are located just under the skin's surface, surgery doesn’t need to go very deep - avoiding muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other important structures.

Vascularized lymph node transfer (or VLNTx) is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting healthy lymph nodes from a donor site to the affected arm or leg. This technique aims to introduce working lymph nodes to the area where the lymphatic system is compromised. The transplanted nodes absorb excess lymphatic fluid and returning it to its normal circulation.

VLNT is a more complex surgery than LVB, requiring incisions (cuts) at both the donor area and the recipient site. It typically is a longer surgery with a longer recovery compared to LVB.

Minimally invasive tissue excision (or MITE), is also called suction-assisted protein lipectomy (or SAPL). It aims to reduce arm or leg size by removing excess scar tissue (fibrosis).

Unlike LVB and VLNT, which both improve lymphatic drainage, MITE directly addresses the accumulated fibrotic/scar tissue that causes limb enlargement. This procedure is performed to restore a more normal size when other treatments haven't achieved adequate volume reduction.