[Microsurgical therapy of lymphedema of the external female genitalia]

Lymphedema of female external genitalia is an uncommon disorder, for which ablative treatment procedures have been used in the past. Such an operation is most traumatic and achieved unsatisfactory results. On the basis of our experiences in treating lymphedema of the extremities by lymphaticovenous anastomosis, the author developed a microlymphaticovenous operation for treating this condition. From March 1980 to November 1984, a total of 6 patients with lymphedema of female external genitalia were operated and good results were achieved. The edema of the vulva, clitoris, mons veneris and of the lower part of the abdominal wall has been reduced, the chylorrhea disappeared and the blisters on the edematous vulva vanished. On the basis of our clinical experiences in treating lymphedema of female external genitalia by microlymphaticovenous anastomoses, we believe, that the anastomoses should be performed early and their number should be sufficiently high. The indication, types of procedures and advantages of the operation are presented.