Baumeister RG, Siuda S, et al.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Date of publication 1990 Jan 1;volume 85(1):64-74; discussion 75-6.
1. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990 Jan;85(1):64-74; discussion 75-6.
Treatment of lymphedemas by microsurgical lymphatic grafting: what is proved?
Baumeister RG(1), Siuda S.
Author information:
(1)Department of Surgery, University of Munich, West Germany.
Lymphedemas due to a local blockade of the lymphatic system can be treated by
bridging the defect with autologous lymphatic grafts. Under the microscope,
grafts are anastomosed to peripheral lymphatics distal to and central lymphatics
proximal to the regional blockade. In this way, the diminished transport capacity
can be restored. In the case of unilateral blockade at the groin or pelvis, the
grafts connect the lymphatics of the thigh of the affected leg with lymphatics in
the contralateral healthy groin. Between June of 1980 and December of 1986, 55
patients with lymphedemas have been treated by lymphatic grafting. The effect of
lymph vessel transplantation has been evaluated by volume measurements and
lymphatic scintiscans, showing a persistent patency of grafts, improvement of the
transport index, and a persistent reduction in volume of the affected limbs. The
reduction reached a level of 80 percent in patients with a follow-up of at least
3 years. The transport index showed an improvement of 30 percent. Autologous
lymph vessel transplantation has been shown to be a fundamental step toward the
microsurgical treatment of lymphedema.
PMID: 2293739 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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