Microsurgical lymphaticovenous implantation for the treatment of chronic lymphedema.

Abstract

This article presents our experience with microsurgical lymphaticovenous implantation in the treatment of chronic lymphedema. Our attempt is to create a lymphaticovenous shunt with an implantation of the collecting lymphatics, including some lymphatic vessels and lymphatic capillaries, within external connective adventitial and adipose tissue into the small vein. Precise placement of the sutures in the lymphatic vessels is not required in this technique. The external connective adventitial and adipose tissue seals the gap between the collecting lymphatics and vein. Our clinical results with five upper and three lower extremities with chronic lymphedema demonstrated the effectiveness of this technique. This easy and simple method could be used widely and could provide stable improvement of chronic lymphedema.