Supermicrosurgical Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis for Lymphedema Treatment

LVA orientations such as lymphaticovenous end-to-end (LVEEA), end-to-side (LVESA), and side-to-end (LVSEA) are commonly performed. Each orientation has its own advantages and disadvantages. The key factors affecting the type of anastomotic orientation are the sizes of the LVs and the RVs, and the relative distance between them. Most published literatures have focused on LVSEA2-9, which is considered to be the most efficient. With one anastomosis in LVSEA, the RV is able to drain both the antegrade and retrograde lymphatic flow. Nevertheless, how to determine the anastomotic orientation has remained ambiguous. In this study, we aimed to establish the basis of selecting the proper anastomotic orientation, based on the size and comparative size discrepancy between LV and RV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to focus on this subject.