Lymphoscintigraphic findings: delayed oedema after great saphenous vein harvesting

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to identify lymphoscintigraphic changes associated with lower-extremity oedema after the harvesting of the saphenous vein using a series of short Q2 incisions for coronary bypass. Method Forty-four patients (32 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 62.7 ± 7.8 (47–75 years old) were evaluated in a retrospective, quantitative, cross-sectional study from June 2007 to January 2008, three to 188 months (mean: 46 months) after the surgical procedure. Assessment was by water displacement volumetry and lymphoscintigraphy of the lower limbs. Results expressed as means with standard deviations were compared employing the Student's t-test and the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare data expressed as frequencies. An alpha error of 5% was considered acceptable ( P ≤ 0.05). Results The presence of dermal backflow, as identified by lymphoscintigraphy with an accumulation of radiotracer in the thoracic duct and popliteal lymph nodes was significantly greater on the operated side. Conclusion There was a significant association between dermal backflow and delayed oedema.