Relief of lymph obstruction by use of a bridge of mesentery and ileum.

The background to the use of a bridge of ileum with its associated mesentery in the relief of lymphatic obstruction is described. A case report of the successful use of this method in a 22-year-old patient with lymphoedema praecox is presented. Following experience with further cases, it is suggested that, provided changes in the lymph channels and in the tissues of the affected limb are not irreversibly damaged, effective drainage through small gut lymphatics may be achieved.