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UC Davis Health’sCenter for Lymphatic Disease has joined an elite group: It is one of only 20 centers worldwide recognized as a Comprehensive Center of Excellence by the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). It’s also the only campus in the UC Health system to earn this prestigious designation, setting the standard for expertise and innovation in lymphatic care.

After earning designation as an LE&RN Surgery Center of Excellence

last year, UC Davis was granted a broader comprehensive designation this year, reflecting the program’s growth, expansion and success.

The designation signifies the center meets best-practice international standards and offers leading-edge diagnosis, treatment and overall care for lymphatic disease. It also affirms the center is engaged in education, community outreach and research efforts to advance the care of the lymphedema patient population.

“This designation means our patients receive care among the world’s most advanced centers for lymphatic disease. Here, specialists from multiple fields work together to provide every aspect of care under one roof — from diagnosis and therapy to surgery, genetic counseling and long-term management,” explained Ara Salibian, center director.

Here, specialists from multiple fields work together to provide every aspect of care under one roof — from diagnosis and therapy to surgery, genetic counseling and long-term management.—Ara Salibian, center director

LE&RN set a high bar of standards for comprehensive designation beyond surgical care to include all ancillary services, medical therapies, genetic counseling, advanced imaging, on-site therapy and research infrastructure, among many other offerings.

“UC Davis stands out for its leadership in advanced surgical treatments and its commitment to improving lives across the Sacramento Valley and beyond,” said William Repicci, president and CEO of LE&RN.

What is lymphatic disease?

Lymphatic disease refers to conditions that affect the body’s lymphatic system — the network of vessels and nodes that helps maintain fluid balance, support immunity and remove waste. When this system is damaged, it can cause swelling, infections and other complications that impact overall health and quality of life.

Lymphatic disease refers to conditions that affect the network of vessels and nodes that helps maintain fluid balance, support immunity and remove waste.

Lymphedema affects roughly 10 million Americans. Lymphedema and lymphatic diseases are most commonly caused by breast cancer surgery and radiation, as well as other cancer treatments that remove or damage lymph nodes. They can also develop after infections, severe injuries, or from inherited conditions that disrupt normal lymphatic function.

Despite its prevalence, lymphedema remains a vastly underrecognized and underfunded public health concern. Through its Centers of Excellence program, LE&RN promotes best practices in clinical care, encourages interdisciplinary research and connects patients with trusted centers of expertise around the world.

What services does UC Davis Health provide?

Salibian said the institution sees roughly 400 people with vascular and lymphatic-related disorders each year. To earn LE&RN’s top designation, UC Davis Health demonstrated proficiency across a wide range of services, including:

• Diagnosis (including imaging)
• Conservative management (therapy, garments, pneumatic compression)
• Assessment tools
• Interventional therapies
• Surgery
• Genetics and genetic counseling
• Consultation (ancillary services like nutrition and psychology)
• Research
• Accountability, administration and community involvement.

“Our patients benefit from a full range of treatment options and supportive services, including physical and occupational therapy, nutrition counseling and personalized care plans,” Salibian added. “Physicians who choose to refer here trust that their patients will receive coordinated, evidence-based care from a dedicated team focused on improving outcomes and quality of life.”