[Results of microsurgical lymphovenous anastomoses in lymphedema--report of 110 cases].

Between 1980 and 1986, 110 patients with lymphedema of the extremities (n = 98), male and female external genitalia (n = 9), breast (n = 2), and face (n = 1) were treated microsurgically. Microsurgery for primary (n = 6) and secondary (n = 104) lymphedema at present consists of anastomosis between collective lymphatics and veins. Ninety-eight patients with lymphedema of the extremities were followed-up for 26 months. The immediate and long-term results have been very satisfactory. Excellent and good results were obtained in 76.5%. An average reduction in circumference of the affected limb of 6.2 cm and an average reduction of excess volume of 59.2 +/- 29.5% (representing 703 +/- 850 ml) were obtained. These results prove that by standardized technique the microlymphaticovenous anastomoses can produce a good therapeutic result. On the basis of our clinical experience in treating lymphedema by microlymphaticovenous anastomoses, we believe that the anastomoses should be performed early and their number should be sufficiently high. Indications, types of procedures and advantages of the operation are presented.