[Lymphography in the clinical picture of lymphedema]

The value of lymphography in the clinical treatment of lymphatic edemas is examined. Since its invention by Hernani Monteiro, lymphography has not enjoyed the same success as clinical phlebography, which has benefited from anatomical and physiological knowledge and has clarified several problems. Great gaps still exist in our knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and physiopathology of the lymphatic system, and this explains the limited development of lymphography so far, and the difficulty of interpreting and characterizing cases of lymphatic stasis. This situation has also hindered the development of logical and effective therapies. We believe that new techniques should be developed for use in lymphography, as was necessary in phlebography.