Microsurgical Lymphatic Surgery Department

Peking University Shenzhen Hospital’s Microsurgical Lymphatic Surgery Department (Microsurgical Lymphatic Surgery) is a leading center for the diagnosis and treatment of lymphatic system diseases in South China, and one of the few specialized departments in China that systematically performs supermicrosurgical lymphatic procedures. Guided by the philosophy of “precision, minimally invasive treatment, and innovation,” the department has established a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment system covering multiple fields, including surgical treatment of lymphedema and limb repair and reconstruction, and is committed to providing patients with internationally standard medical services.

Since the establishment of the Lymphatic Surgery Diagnosis and Treatment Center in 2022, the department has developed a scientific and standardized full-process diagnostic and treatment protocol. It has implemented a complete range of supermicrosurgical techniques, including lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), and vascularized lymphatic tissue transfer (VLVT). More than 400 supermicrosurgical procedures are completed annually, and the volume of lymphedema-specific surgeries ranks among the highest in South China.

Academic Leader

Director Zhou Zhegang

Graduate Supervisor

Director Zhou Zhegang graduated from Sun Yat-sen Medical University and has worked extensively in the field of microsurgery for 22 years. He is a renowned lymphatic surgery expert both in China and internationally.

Academic Positions and Honors

- International distinction: In 2023, he won second place worldwide in the Best Save competition at the 12th World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (WSRM) Congress, becoming the first Chinese person to be shortlisted and win an award; in 2024, he won first place in the Best Case competition at the Korean Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (KSRM) annual meeting - Positions in international organizations: Member of the Association for Limb Preservation (ALPS); International Mentor of the Malaysian Society for Diabetic Foot Limb Salvage - Domestic academic positions: Committee Member of the Lymphatic Surgery Group of the Microsurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association; Committee Member of the Lymphology Group of the Microsurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association; Standing Committee Member of the Microsurgery Society of the Guangdong Medical Association; and more than ten other important academic positions

Diagnostic and Treatment Features and Technical Advantages

1. Comprehensive Lymphedema Treatment System

Lymphedema is known as the “cancer that does not kill,” with approximately 250 million patients worldwide. For secondary lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, gynecologic tumor surgery, and other procedures, as well as primary lymphedema, the department provides individualized treatment plans:

- Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA): Under a microscope at magnifications of 40× or higher, lymphatic vessels measuring only 0.3–0.8 millimeters in diameter are precisely anastomosed to veins at the millimeter level, creating an “artificial channel” for obstructed lymphatic fluid - Lymph node tissue transfer (VLNT/VLVT): Suitable for moderate-to-severe lymphedema - Multidisciplinary collaboration (MDT): In collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Oncology, and other departments, the team provides comprehensive decongestive therapy (CDT), postoperative rehabilitation, and other full-cycle management

2. Internationally Leading Surgical Demonstration and Promotion

In May 2025, Director Zhou Zhegang was invited to perform two difficult lower-limb lymphedema LVA procedures as the primary surgeon at Germans Trial Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, becoming the **first Chinese doctor to demonstrate this type of surgery at the hospital** and receiving high praise from experts from multiple countries. In June of the same year, the department hosted the “2025 Shenzhen International Lymphedema Training Course.” Director Zhou Zhegang served as conference chair and exchanged knowledge on the same platform with leading experts from more than ten countries, including Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Spain.

Research Strength and International Influence

The department has established a comprehensive research and teaching system:

- Research achievements: Undertook 2 municipal-level research projects; published 3 SCI-indexed papers as first author or corresponding author, and more than 20 national-level papers - International exchange: Over the past three years, has received microsurgeons from multiple countries, including the United States, Egypt, Iran, Singapore, India, and Spain, for advanced study and training at the hospital, disseminating Shenzhen’s techniques worldwide - Academic voice: Has delivered keynote speeches multiple times at leading international conferences, including WSRM, the Israel International Foot and Ankle Conference, and the American Diabetes Limb Salvage Annual Meeting, continuously making the “Shenzhen voice” heard on the world microsurgery stage

Scope of Diagnosis and Treatment

- Primary and secondary lymphedema (after breast cancer surgery, gynecologic tumor surgery, trauma, and other causes) - Repair and reconstruction of limb trauma; replantation of severed fingers and limbs - Treatment of bone infections, bone defects, and chronic wounds - Postoperative rehabilitation diagnosis and treatment for lymphedema

Departmental Commitment: With internationally advanced technologies, superb medical expertise, and humanistic care, we provide every patient with precise, safe, efficient, and individualized diagnostic and treatment services.