[Causes of edema after reconstructive vascular surgery of the lower extremities].

Based on examinations, analysis and statistical evaluation of a group of his patients the author assumes that the main cause of oedema after elective operations in the femoropopliteal area is impaired lymphatic drainage. The author assumes that the most probable site, where the lymphatic vessels can be damaged during these surgical operations is the medial surface of the knee joint and its close proximal and distal vicinity.