Lymphovenous Bypass
Lymphovenous bypass is the microsurgical anastomosis (connection) of a lymphatic vessel to a nearby venule. This procedure can be performed prophylactically (before lymphedema develops) to decrease the risk or prevent lymphedema from occurring. It can also be performed in patients with established lymphedema as a treatment modality.
During a lymphovenous bypass procedure, a lymphatic vessel (blue arrow) is connected to a vein (red arrow).
In this patient, three separate lymphovenous bypasses (numbered 1, 2, 3) have been performed. Each bypass is handsewn using an operating microscope with nylon microsutures (black arrow).
The green background is used to provide contrast when using the microscope. Each small green is box 1 x 1 mm.
