By Andrea Pimpini 
Research, clinical practice and healthcare organisation in modern lymphedema management
On 6 March 2026, the Naselli Theatre in Comiso, in the province of Ragusa, hosted the scientific conference “Lymphedema Talk”, organised on the occasion of World Lymphedema Day 2026, an international day dedicated to raising awareness and research on diseases of the lymphatic system. The event was an important opportunity for scientific discussion, bringing together doctors, researchers, vascular surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, nurses and healthcare professionals involved in the study and treatment of lymphedema.
The conference was chaired by Dr Costantino Eretta, current president of S.O.S. Linfedema, with Dr Sara Lanza of Ragusa as local chair. The initiative is part of the scientific and associative work carried out over the years by Francesco Forestiere, a historical figure in Italian lymphology, former president and founder of OSL Infedema, who has played a fundamental role in promoting awareness and protection of patients suffering from lymphedema. Thanks to the commitment of these figures and the collaboration of numerous clinical and university centres, the conference provided an opportunity for multidisciplinary dialogue between different scientific and clinical experts.
The study day was structured into several thematic sessions dedicated to the main aspects of the disease: epidemiology, genetics, diagnostic imaging, conservative therapy, surgery, rehabilitation and the organisation of health services. The presence of experts from many Italian regions and abroad contributed to creating a particularly rich context for scientific discussion.
The opening of the conference and the keynote lecture by Professor Paolo Zamboni
After the registration of participants and greetings from local authorities, the conference was officially opened by Dr Costantino Eretta and Dr Sara Lanza, who emphasised the importance of a clinical and scientific network dedicated to the diagnosis and management of lymphoedema, a chronic condition that is often underdiagnosed but has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.
The inaugural moment of the conference was represented by the keynote lecture by Professor Paolo Zamboni, from the University of Ferrara and president of the scientific committee of S.O.S. Lymphedema. The lecture, entitled “Lymphatic circulation among the stars”, presented one of the most fascinating areas of research in modern pathophysiology: the study of lymphatic circulation in astronauts during space missions.
In his speech, Professor Zamboni illustrated the results of research conducted in collaboration with NASA on the behaviour of the lymphatic system in microgravity conditions. Studies carried out on astronauts have shown that the absence of gravity profoundly alters the distribution of body fluids, causing congestion and stasis in the cephalic region. In this context, a pathophysiological picture characterised by alterations in lymphatic and venous drainage has been observed, with a consequent increase in pressure in the periocular tissues and the development of retinal changes.
These alterations have been associated with a syndrome now well recognised in space medicine, known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), which includes anatomical changes in the retina, optic nerve oedema and visual alterations. Professor Zamboni illustrated how lymphatic stasis mechanisms can contribute to these phenomena, opening up new perspectives for research on the role of the lymphatic system in the regulation of intracranial and ocular fluids.
The experience gained through collaboration with NASA has therefore led to the development of innovative pathophysiological models that could also have implications for terrestrial medicine, particularly in the study of pathologies characterised by alterations in lymphatic drainage and microcirculation.
Epidemiology, clinical registries and genetics of lymphoedema
The first scientific session of the congress was chaired by Dr Sara Lanza and moderated by Dr Claudio Cubisino from Ragusa. The presentations addressed topics that are fundamental to understanding the epidemiology of the disease and developing advanced diagnostic tools.
Dr Benedetta Giannasio, from Florence, discussed the role of certification centres and the importance of national registries in collecting clinical data on lymphedema. The creation of reliable databases is an essential tool for understanding the actual spread of the disease, improving early diagnosis and guiding health policies.
Dr Costantino Eretta then presented the Ligurian experience in managing the rare diseases registry, highlighting the operational and organisational difficulties that often accompany the systematic collection of clinical data.
The session ended with a presentation by Dr Matteo Bertelli, from the MAGI centre dedicated to the genetics of lymphedema. The report illustrated the progress made in recent years in identifying the genes involved in hereditary forms of the disease. Genetic analysis is in fact taking on an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of primary forms of lymphedema and in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development of the lymphatic system.
Diagnostic imaging and instrumental assessment of the lymphatic system
The second session, chaired by Dr Renzo Lombardi of Florence and moderated by Dr Alessandro Busetto of Venice, was devoted to diagnostic techniques used in the assessment of lymphoedema.
Dr Soccorsa Morano, from Reggio Calabria, presented a report on lymphoscintigraphy and its comparison with indocyanine green fluoroscopy, two methods that allow the lymphatic system to be studied functionally.
Dr Giuseppe Sicuso, from Comiso, explored the role of soft tissue ultrasound in the diagnosis of lymphedema and related conditions, emphasising how ultrasound is a fundamental tool for identifying structural changes in subcutaneous tissues.
Dr Giovanni Adamo, from Modica, illustrated how to perform colour Doppler ultrasound in lymphedema and the main diagnostic parameters to consider during the examination.
Skin complications and clinical management of patients
The third session, chaired by Dr Costantino Eretta and moderated by Dr Serena Gabbrielli from Sarzana, addressed the clinical complications of lymphoedema.
Dr Renzo Lombardi presented therapeutic strategies for lymphatic ulcers, discussing the use of advanced dressings and mononuclear cells in tissue regeneration processes.
Dr Ornella Forma, from Milan, illustrated the role of nursing care in the management of patients with lymphedema complicated by limb ulceration.
Finally, Dr Simone Lissandrello, from Syracuse, addressed podiatric issues in patients with lymphoedema, highlighting the importance of preventing infections and skin complications.
Rehabilitation, elastic compression and organisation of lymphology centres
The fourth session was chaired by Professor Alessia Giaquinta from Catania and moderated by Professor Raul Mattassi from Milan and Dr Andrea Li Destri from Vittoria.
Dr Salvina Chiarandà, from Comiso, illustrated the main rehabilitation strategies for the treatment of lymphoedema according to international guidelines.
Dr Domenico Corda, from Pavia, connected remotely, discussed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing the disease.
Dr Sara Lanza presented a talk dedicated to the creation of specialised lymphology centres, highlighting the role of local facilities in integrated patient management.
Dr Mirko Tessari, from Ferrara, analysed the use of elastocompression in complex patients, while Dr Chiara Iacono, from Ragusa, explored the value of elastic compression in the treatment of lymphoedema. Finally, Dr Giammarco Pellegrino, from Syracuse, illustrated the most common errors in the use of compression techniques.
Lymphedema surgery and new therapeutic perspectives
The fifth session, chaired by Professor Pierfrancesco Veroux of Catania and moderated by Dr Claudio Bianchi of Sarzana, explored the latest developments in lymphedema surgery.
Professor Guido Gabriele, of Link Campus University in Rome, presented a report on the evolution of surgical techniques in the treatment of the condition.
Professor Raul Mattassi, from Milan, discussed the topic of lymphatic malformations, while Dr Guido Giacalone, from Belgium, illustrated the synergies between surgery and rehabilitation in the management of lymphedema.
Finally, Dr Costantino Eretta returned to the topic of multidisciplinary treatment of the disease, emphasising the importance of collaboration between specialists from different disciplines.
Training, clinical network and patient testimonials
A particularly significant moment of the congress was the debate dedicated to university and regional training, which was attended by Professor Pierfrancesco Veroux, Professor Paolo Zamboni, Professor Alessia Giaquinta, Dr Costantino Eretta, Dr Sara Lanza and Dr Maria Laura Ferlito from Catania.
The conference concluded with an interactive round table discussion dedicated to patients suffering from lymphoedema. Dr Nicolò Culmone, Franco Celestre, Francesco Forestiere, Dr Costantino Eretta, Dr Mariastella Forte, Dr Andrea Li Destri and Professor Alessia Giaquinta participated in this discussion.
The patients’ testimonies offered a concrete perspective on the impact of the disease on daily life, reminding us that the clinical and scientific aspects must always be accompanied by a strong focus on quality of life and social support.
The scientific and social significance of the conference
The Comiso conference was an important opportunity for scientific and human exchange. The participation of experts from numerous Italian and international centres — including Dr Anderson Gariglo from Brazil and Dr Guido Giacalone from Belgium — demonstrated the scientific community’s growing interest in lymphatic system disorders.
The event also confirmed the fundamental role of patient associations and clinical networks in promoting research and disseminating knowledge. Thanks to the commitment of Dr Francesco Forestiere, Dr Costantino Eretta and the entire scientific community involved, the conference helped to strengthen collaboration between research, clinical practice and civil society.
In a medical field where the biological complexity of the disease requires increasingly integrated approaches, initiatives such as the Lymphedema Talk in Comiso are a fundamental reference point for promoting scientific innovation, professional training and public awareness of a disease that is still too often neglected.
TheGameTV Editorial Team