Venous Versus Lymphatic Duct Autotransplantation in the Treatment of Experimental Lymphedema

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Abstract
Experimental autologous lymphatic duct transplantation is technically feasible and therapeutically effective in the treatment of chronic lymphedema of the extremity. However, we demonstrate that the risk of inducing lymphedema in the donor limb is evident; therefore, the clinical application of lymphatic transplantation is compromised. To obviate this risk, a vein graft was substituted in experimental animals with good prophylactic results. Postoperative lymphangiography showing free passage of contrast media through the interposed vein, rapid disappearance of acute lymphedema in the recipient hmb (28.6%), and no risk of inducing lymphedema of the donor hmb all favor the possibihty of using a vein graft transfer in clinically treating chronic lymphedema of the extremity.

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