Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis
Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis
Lymphaticovenous anastomosis describes the use of supermicrosurgery to connect the affected lymphatic channels directly to tiny veins located nearby. The lymphatics are tiny, typically approximately 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm in diameter. The procedure requires the use of specialized techniques with superfine surgical suture and an adapted high power microscope.
The procedure can be an effective and long-term solution for extremity lymphedema, and most patients in our experience have results which range from a moderate improvement to an almost complete resolution of the problem.
Improved Surgical Technique
Dr. Granzow adapted his surgical technique from the father of microsurgery, Dr. Isao Koshima. He studied with Dr. Koshima in Japan and still maintains close professional contact with him. Dr. Koshima has pioneered the field of supermicrosurgery and applied his methods to the lymphaticovenous anastomosis procedure. Current results show much greater success rates than were reported previously by other surgeons who attempted to perform the the lymphatocovenous anastomosis technique.
Dr.Jay Granzow and Dr. Isao Koshima performing lymphaticovenous anastomoses in Japan
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