A variety of surgical and microsurgical techniques have been examined for prevention or treatment of lymphedema in patients with cancer. Techniques include harvesting tissue from nonsurgical sites, such as lymph nodes and vascular structures, and transplanting to the area operated on for tumor removal. Techniques to attempt to preserve specific veins at the time of surgery and creation of lymphatic-venous anastomosis also have been used. Surgical interventions include use of different types of surgical closure.