Recent advances in microlymphatic surgery in China

Development and advances in clinical and research work on limb lymphedema in China has progressed rapidly in recent years. The authors first performed successful lymphaticovenous anastomosis using the operating microscope for limb lymphedema in China in May, 1979. By 1983, surgery on 48 lymphedematous limbs in the authors' clinic had given good results in one-third of the cases. By the same year, 185 limbs with lymphedema were treated by lymphaticovenous anastomosis throughout China with excellent results achieved in 72.9% of the cases. Lymphology was investigated using animal models, intraluminal pressure, and venous graft substitution of lymphatics.