Lymphatic vessel-to-isolated-vein anastomosis for secondary lymphedema in a canine model

To design a more rational and effective surgical method of performing lymphatic-venous anastomosis to treat secondary lymphedema of the lower extremities, the following experiments were conducted on three groups of dogs: group A underwent an end-to-side lymphatic node-to-vein anastomosis at the inferior vena cava; group B underwent a "burying" lymphatic vessel-to-vein anastomosis at the femoral vein; and group C underwent a burying lymphatic vessel-to-isolated-vein anastomosis at the femoral vein. In group C, the femoral venous segment was isolated by distal ligation and proximal valvuloplasty and the patency of the anastomosis was investigated by infusing yellow Microfils through the distal lymphatic vessel. The patency of the anastomosis was nil in group A by 10 days after the anastomosis, 40% in group B by 180 days; and 71.4% in group C by 180 days, respectively. Thus, we clinically applied the technique of lymphatic vessel-to-isolated-saphenous-vein anastomosis in a patient with secondary lymphedema of the bilateral lower extremities. A satisfactory reduction in the size of the limbs was achieved and there has been no further recurrence of cellulitis in the 42 months since her surgery. This study shows that lymphatic vessel-to-vein anastomosis is an effective technique for the surgical management of secondary lymphedema, so long as the anastomosis is completely protected from any contact with blood.