Lymphangioplasty: a ten year evaluation.

Sixteen patients with refractory primary and secondary lymphedema have had multifilament Teflon wick lymphangioplasties during the past 10 years. There were no operative deaths or operative complications. All patients experienced an early reduction of their edema, with objective improvement lasting 6 months to 5 years. The average duration of benefit was 13 months. Subjective improvement has lasted to 7 years. Lymphangioplasty is simple, virtually free of complications, and offers periods of control of edema and cellulitis that compare favorably with those obtained by other operative procedures. It should be considered for the management of patients with incapacitating lymphedema, especially those patients with a limited life expectancy.