Genital lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and leg LVA to prevent the recurrence of genital acquired lymphangiectasia

Abstract Background Genital acquired lymphangiectasia (GAL) commonly recurs after simple resection. This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in the genital region or legs for preventing GAL recurrence after resection. Methods We retrospectively investigated 25 female patients who underwent GAL resection and LVA, lymphoscintigraphy, and indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. Isotope or ICG was injected into the leg. Medicine accumulating in the genitals indicates lymphatic flow from the legs to the genitals (type 1). In some cases, we injected ICG into the anus to detect lymphatic flow from the anus to the genitals (type 2). Based on the findings, we selected LVA site (genital or leg). Results The mean patient age was 61.4 (range, 42–81) years. Seventeen patients underwent leg LVA only, while eight patients underwent genital LVA. The mean follow‐up period was 285 (range, 87–365) days. GAL recurrence was observed in 10 patients (40.0%): three of eight (37.5%) who underwent genital LVA versus seven of 17 (41.2%) who underwent leg LVA. Among patients with type 2 lymphatic vessels, GAL recurrence was observed in two of six (33.3%) who underwent genital LVA versus five of nine (55.6%) who underwent leg LVA. Conclusion Genital LVA prevented GAL recurrence in patients with type 2 lymphatic flow. Detecting the direction of lymphatic flow around GAL is essential to its successful treatment.