Lymphatic disruption in varicose vein surgery

In order to investigate the possibility of lymphatic disruption occurring during varicose vein surgery, lymphangiography performed by a modification of the Kinmonth technique was done in seven patients before and after standard surgical ablation of primary varicose veins. All seven patients demonstrated marked disruption of lymphatics. Extravasation of lymphangiogram contrast medium at the calf level and at the thigh level precluded demonstration of the groin lymphatics. It is concluded that lymphatic disruption attends varicose vein removal and such lymphatic damage contributes to postoperative leg edema.