ABSTRACT
Autologous lymph-vessel transplantation is one of the microsurgical procedures that
should be performed with good magnification and visualization of the fine lymphatic
vessels. It is the preferable surgical intervention in the authors' institute for
patients with secondary lymphedema. Although this technique has been performed under
the operating microscope, in this study, the authors have experimentally investigated
the possibility of performance of lymphatic vessel anastomoses of the rat thoracic
duct with the visual assistance of the endoscope, and compared it with the conventional
operating microscope, not for its replacement, but as an alternative operating tool
which may be preferred in certain situations. There were minimal technical differences
between the microscope and the endoscope; however, they have recorded significantly
shorter operating time and lymphatic vessel preparation time by using the endoscope.
The endoscope seems to be a promising new tool in performing microsurgery, with more
ease in handling and more physical comfort for the surgeon.
KEYWORDS
Endoscopic - lymphatic - microanastomoses.
