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J Reconstr Microsurg 2016; 32(08): 571-579
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1584570
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Understanding the Concepts and Physiologic Principles of Lymphatic Microsurgery

Michael Sosin
1   Department of Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Christine Yin
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
,
Poysophon Poysophon
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
,
Ketan M. Patel
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

06 March 2016

12 May 2016

Publication Date:
21 June 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Surgical techniques such as lymphaticovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node (VLN) transfer are gaining momentum in the treatment of lymphedema. Although surgeons may be technically capable of performing these complex procedures, understanding the normal physiology of the lymphatic system and the pathophysiology of lymphedema is critical to the patient selection process, determining which specific procedure to perform, considering the specific anatomic location of surgery, and optimization of outcomes. To familiarize the plastic surgeon with the pathophysiological principles of lymphatic surgery for lymphedema, this review focuses on lymphatic anatomy, histology, physiology, disease progression, and staging in the context of lymphaticovenous anastomosis and VLN transfer.

Keywords

lymphedema - lymphatic surgery - microsurgery - lymphaticovenous - vascularized lymph node transfer
 

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