Lymphatics Disease Program - Nemours Children's Health

Help — and Cures — for Kids With Lymphatics Disorders

Lymphatics are small vessels that carry fluid from the tissue back to the body’s circulation. Although they’re tiny, they can cause big problems for kids when they don’t work right.

For a long time, doctors didn’t understand how to diagnose or treat lymphatic disease. Thanks to recent advances in technology, we can now see these small vessels and fix them.

Doctors refer families to Nemours Children's because we have a program dedicated to treating kids with lymphatic issues – in fact, the Nemours Lymphatics Program has been internationally recognized for the care we deliver. We offer both answers and cures for families like yours. Our large team of cardiologists, gastroenterologists and other specialists will work together to give your child the best, most complete care.

Find Lymphatics Care From Nemours

Find the pediatric lymphatic disorders specialist closest to you:

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See Us at Work

Our lymphatics specialists help families from around the world find the right approach for their child’s condition. We combine pediatric expertise with a state-of-the-art methods to treat even the rarest conditions.

“He's feeling good. No pain ... It's marvelous!"

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Our Team

Our lymphatics team is made up of experts from multiple medical departments including:

Our program includes coordinators that will assist you with scheduling appointments, finding lodging, travel accommodations and ensuring you are only focused on your child’s care.

Meet Our Team

Conditions & Treatments

Our team of experts has treated patients with several conditions related to lymphatics including:

Chylothorax
Chylous Ascites
Chyluria
Genital Lymphorrhea
Lymphedema
Neonatal Lymphatic Disorders
Plastic Bronchitis
Protein-Losing Enteropathy

Services We Offer

Diagnosis

In the past, it was hard for doctors to understand lymphatic disorders because the lymphatic vessels were too small in children for doctors to diagnose. But in recent years, we’ve developed methods of imaging that allow us to watch the vessels in action.

If a vessel is leaking or blocked, we can spot this in real time with imaging tests called “lymphangiography.” We inject a dye into the lymphatic system, either through lymph nodes (small clumps of tissue located along the network of lymph vessels) or through the lymph vessels themselves. Then we watch under a live X-ray called “fluoroscopy” to see what’s going on.

We can now see even more detail by using both X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is a large doughnut-shaped scanner that gives detailed images using a magnetic field and sound waves instead of radiation.

Treatment

Once we discover the issue, we have a number of tools and ways to fix lymphatic disorders. If the lymphatic vessel is leaking, we block off the leak. If the vessel is closed off, we can open it. This involves getting into the lymphatic vessels using tiny needles and wires.

During these procedures, the interventional radiology team works closely with cardiologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists to help guide the treatment and reduce risks. Interventional radiology is the use of medical imaging techniques (such as an ultrasound, CAT scan or fluoroscopy) to guide doctors as they diagnose and treat problems.

Our Process

Here’s how our program works:

You’ll need to contact our care coordinator, as well as send us your child’s records and any imaging tests on discs.
Our team will go over your child’s case together once we receive the required application and medical records. This allows each of our specialists to give their input.
We’ll create a “treatment map.”  That just means we’ll all work together to map out the treatment plan that will be best for your child.
Our doctors will schedule a phone conference with your family and your home doctors. We’ll explain the plan, and answer any questions you or your doctors may have.
We’ll then schedule your visit. Our coordinator will work with you to ensure that a financial plan is in place, travel arrangements are made, and the appointment schedule works for your family.
We’ll help prepare you for returning home. After the treatment, the team will ensure you have a copy of all of the imaging and a summary of your child’s care at Nemours to share with your home care providers.

From start to finish, we’ll work with you to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both your child and your family.

We Offer the Latest Treatments for Lymphatic Disease

At the Nemours Lymphatic Imaging and Therapeutics Program, we offer complete diagnosis, evaluation and treatment for children with lymphatic disease. We combine pediatric expertise with a state-of-the-art approach to treat even the rarest conditions.

We're recognized for our comprehensive approach to care. The Lymphatic Education and Research Network has named us an LE&RN Pediatric Comprehensive Center of Excellence in lymphatic disease.
We have the largest pediatric interventional radiology program in the country. We have more IR doctors than any other pediatric program in the country. IR is a key part of treating lymphatic problems.
We have the latest technology for treating lymphatic disease. We can fix lymphatic vessel leaks and open up vessels that are closed. Our team of experts works together to guide the treatment and reduce the risks.
We use minimally invasive techniques to treat kids. Often, we can use tiny incisions (cuts). This means shorter recovery times, very small or no scars, and less pain.

6,000+ Interventional radiology procedures a year
12+ Specialists who work together to treat lymphatics patients
9 Interventional radiology doctors system-wide

The Lymphatic System Explained

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It keeps body fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections. Learn more from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth.org.

Family-Friendly Hospital

We care for your family in a healing environment with child-focused activities and places to play. We offer private patient rooms and most have space to rest, revive and gather. There is also a Ronald McDonald House next to the campus for overnight stays.