Hello @vinran, Welcome to Connect. I'm not very fond of the term idiopathic either which is my neuropathy diagnosis. I know all surgeries carry a risk and nerve damage is one I was worried about when I had my right knee replacement done. I also had lymphedema prior to the surgery and have to wear compression socks to keep the swelling down. Here's some information I found that talks about what I think you are describing.

"Can knee surgery cause swollen lymph nodes?
The secondary form may be caused by a lesion of the lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as surgical interventions. Often, in clinical practice, there is lymphedema after orthopedic surgery, even in minor orthopedic surgery."
-- Lymphatic edema of the lower limbs after orthopedic surgery: results of a randomized, open-label clinical trial with a new extended-release preparation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26753640/

Hopefully your next appointment can provide some answers for you. Can you provide an update after your appointment next week with the general surgeon?