An investigation of lymphatic function following free-tissue transfer

SA Slavin, J Upton, WD Kaplan… - Plastic and …, 1997 - journals.lww.com
SA Slavin, J Upton, WD Kaplan, AD Van den Abbeele
Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 1997journals.lww.com
Despite microsurgical advances in the repair of severed arteries, veins, and nerves,
disrupted lymphatics are not usually identified or reconnected during replantation. Although
temporary swelling of a replanted part is attributed to lymphedema, this condition resolves
without microsurgical intervention. Spontaneous regeneration or reconnection of lymphatics
is thought to occur in such situations. Microsurgical free-flap transfer is clinically analogous
to replantation in that it also results in a complete division of all lymphatic channels exiting …
Abstract
: Despite microsurgical advances in the repair of severed arteries, veins, and nerves, disrupted lymphatics are not usually identified or reconnected during replantation. Although temporary swelling of a replanted part is attributed to lymphedema, this condition resolves without microsurgical intervention. Spontaneous regeneration or reconnection of lymphatics is thought to occur in such situations. Microsurgical free-flap transfer is clinically analogous to replantation in that it also results in a complete division of all lymphatic channels exiting the flap.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins