Abstract
In this study, a simple and reliable experimental model for lymphedema is described. In the middle portion of albino rats' hind lower leg, leaving the saphenous vessels and the accompanying lymphatics intact, all other soft tissues are incised circularly. After retraction of the cut ends of muscles, the skin edge of the ventral side is sutured to that of the dorsal side to envelope the muscles of both cut ends and the saphenous vessels and lymphatics. Resection of lymphatics or circular strip of soft tissues is not performed. In 48 of 50 rats' legs, measurements were made of leg circumference and the diameter of the lymphatics; in addition changes of lymphatic contractility were observed. These measurements, observations and histopathological studies showed a consistent picture of lymphedema. The clinical implication of this observation is that a small number of lymphaticovenous anastomoses will not correct lymphedema and that the quality of the results will correlate with the number of anastomoses. In studying the findings of experimental lymphedema, some other clinical phenomena are explained and modifications of the operative procedure of microlymphaticovenous anastomosis for treating lymphedema are suggested.
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