An experimental study of lymphatic vessel autotransplantation in the dog.

To provide greater insight into microsurgical treatment of lymphedema, 7 mongrel dogs underwent autotransplantation of a lymphatic collector into the contralateral lower limb. Two months later, lymphatic vessels were studied using patent blue dye, light microscopy, and histomorphometry. Patency of the transplanted lymphatics was uniformly observed although there was a notable increase in the width of the intima and a corresponding reduction in the size of the lymphatic lumen. Of note, there was a striking absence of inflammatory infiltrate at the recipient site.