Download PDF
J Reconstr Microsurg 2008; 24(1): 029-032
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1064928
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Objective Assessment of the Efficacy of Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis and Microsurgical Lymphaticovenous Implantation in a Case of Axillary Lymphorrhea

Yoichiro Morihisa1 , Yojiro Inoue1 , Kensuke Kiyokawa1 , Yukiko Nishi1 , Hiromasa Fujita2 , Susumu Sueyoshi2
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
  • 2Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
10 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenous anastomosis and microsurgical lymphaticovenous implantation are procedures currently used to treat lymphedema. However, because in most cases concomitant conservative treatments are included, it is difficult to objectively assess the direct effect of the procedures. The present report is a case in which supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenous anastomosis and microsurgical lymphaticovenous implantation were performed to treat axillary lymphorrhea that developed after the treatments for lymph node metastases of esophageal carcinoma. Prior to surgery, the volume of lymphorrhea was ~300 mL/d, but from postoperative day 1, this amount decreased by half, and healing was obtained by postoperative day 20. This result objectively indicates that creating new lymphatic routes with these two procedures is clearly effective.

KEYWORDS

Lymphorrhea - lymphedema - supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenous anastomosis - microsurgical lymphaticovenous implantation

REFERENCES

  • 1 Nielubowicz J, Olszewsky W. Surgical lymphatico-venous shunt in patients with secondary lymphedema.  Br J Surg. 1968;  55 440-442
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 O'Brien B M, Sykes P J, Threlfall G N. Microlymphaticovenous anastomoses for obstructive lymphedema.  Plast Reconst Surg. 1977;  60 197-211
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 3 Baumeister R G, Seifert J, Wiebecke B et al.. Experimental basis and first application of clinical lymphvessel transplantation of secondary lymphedema.  World J Surg. 1981;  5 401-407
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Campisi C. Use of autologous interposition vein graft in management of lymphedema; preliminary experimental and clinical observations.  Lymphology. 1991;  24 71-76
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Koshima I, Inagawa K, Urushibara K et al.. Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis for the treatment of lymphedema in the upper extremities.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 2000;  16 437-442
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Yamamoto Y, Sugihara T. Microsurgical lymphaticovenous implantation for the treatment of chronic lymphedema.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998;  101 157-161
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar

Kensuke KiyokawaM.D. Ph.D. 

67 Asahi-machi, Kurume

Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan