Apollo Athenaa Launches India’s First LE&RN-Accredited Comprehensive Lymphedema Clinic

Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women by Apollo Hospitals, has launched India’s first comprehensive Lymphedema Clinic in New Delhi accredited by the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), a global non-profit organization whose aim is to fight lymphatic diseases through education, research, and advocacy.

 

Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage, which can lead to persistent swelling, recurrent infections and reduced mobility. Women undergoing treatment for breast and gynecological cancers are particularly vulnerable, as lymph node removal or radiotherapy can disrupt normal lymphatic drainage.  

The clinic brings together expert surgeons, lymphedema therapists, nurses, dermatologists and rehabilitation experts, integrating early assessment, specialised physiotherapy, compression therapy, advanced imaging, microsurgery and long-term follow-up within a coordinated care pathway.  

Highlighting the significance of this integrated approach, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, described the clinic as an extension of Apollo’s commitment to comprehensive, women-centric cancer care, with a greater focus on helping patients live healthier, fuller lives beyond treatment. She emphasised the importance of combining specialised expertise, advanced technology and internationally recognised standards to address an often-overlooked aspect of cancer survivorship.   

Building on this focus, Prof. Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Lead – Plastic & Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Apollo Athenaa, highlighted the shift towards prevention through prophylactic lymphovenous bypass (LVB) for eligible high-risk patients. Performed during axillary lymph node dissection, this super microsurgical procedure is designed to restore lymphatic drainage and help reduce the future risk of arm lymphedema, moving care from reactive treatment towards earlier intervention.  

Complementing this preventive approach, Dr. Samarth Gupta, Senior Consultant Plastic & Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Apollo Athenaa, underscored the importance of coordinated care encompassing timely diagnosis, specialised rehabilitation, precision surgery and long-term follow-up. He noted that combining evidence-based protocols with advanced imaging and microsurgical expertise can support personalised care and help patients regain function, confidence and quality of life.  

Through integrated prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and lifelong follow-up, the LE&RN-accredited clinic strengthens Apollo Athenaa’s focus on care beyond cure, supporting women in returning to everyday life with greater confidence, dignity and well-being.  
  
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