EXPERIENCE OF A NEW SURGICAL-PROCEDURE FOR THE TREATMENT OF UNILATERAL OBSTRUCTIVE LYMPHEDEMA OF THE LOWER-EXTREMITY - ADIPO-LYMPHATICO VENOUS TRANSFER

We report five cases of adipo-lymphatico Venous transfer (ALVT) perfor med to treat unilateral obstructive lymphedema of the lower extremity. ALVT is a surgical procedure that utilizes the long saphenous vein an d its surrounding lymphatic tissue from the unaffected limb for the tr eatment of lymphedema. Since ALVT does not necessitate anastomoses of lymphatic vessels, it can be performed regardless of the severity and duration of lymphedema, and stable longterm results can be obtained wh en the transferred lymphatic tissue shows Viability. (C) 1997 Wiiey-Li ss, Inc.