Lymph transport before and after regional lymphadenectomy as demonstrated with 99Tcm. Preliminary experiences

The lymphatic transport of a radioactive tracer injected intralymphatically on the dorsum of the foot was determined before and after surgery in 3 patients with vulvar carcinoma. The centrally recorded activity curves showed different time courses before and after inguinal lymphadenectomy, suggesting that the lymphatic transport is short-circuited via lymphovenous anastomoses after lymphadenectomy. Thus, non-radical surgery for primary carcinoma combined with lymphadenectomy will increase the risk of haematogenous spread.