Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025

A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model
Published on: February 10, 2021
Major Changes in Lymphatic Microsurgery and Microvascular Surgery in Past 20 Years
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sant Quinti 89, Barcelona 08041, Spain.
This article summarizes the major changes seen in lymphatic microsurgery and microvascular surgery in first 20 years of the 21st century. Lymphatic microsurgery is discussed first, as more advances have been seen in imaging of the lymphatic system, lymphatico-venous anastomosis, and vascularized lymph node transfers. During the past 2 decades, there have been more patient population changes than major technical evolutions in microvascular surgery, although new techniques and modifications emerged and became clinical routines, with the landscape of microvascular surgery evolving in this time period.
This article summarizes the major changes seen in lymphatic microsurgery and microvascular surgery in first 20 years of the 21st century. Lymphatic microsurgery is discussed first, as more advances have been seen in imaging of the lymphatic system, lymphatico-venous anastomosis, and vascularized lymph node transfers. During the past 2 decades, there have been more patient population changes than major technical evolutions in microvascular surgery, although new techniques and modifications emerged and became clinical routines, with the landscape of microvascular surgery evolving in this time period.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular...

