Lymphangiography and surgery in lymphangioma of the skin

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Abstract
The results of surgery in a group of 7 patients with lymphangioma circumscriptum are presented. Lymphangiography was carried out in 5 of these patients and in 1 further patient who was not submitted to surgery. Lymphangiography of the affected limb revealed normal subcutaneous lymphatic vessels and normal filling of nodes in the regional node areas. No direct connexion between the lymphangioma and the subcutaneous lymphatics or regional lymph-nodes was demonstrated. Lymphography helps to show the extent of the underlying pathology before operation. It is also helpful in showing the relation of the lesion to the main lymph pathways of the area so that they may be preserved during operation. Surgical treatment for patients with lymphangioma should only be undertaken if a definite cosmetic improvement can be assured. Even with discrete lesions regional excision has to be wide in extent owing to the marked tendency to subcutaneous extension of the abnormality. With these conditions satisfied the results of surgery should be good. With more extensive lesions partial excision of the most troublesome areas in one or more stages may give considerable benefit.

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