Central lymphatic surgery

Abstract

In recent years, microsurgical reconstruction of the lymphatic system has opened new frontiers in the treatment of central lymphatic lesions. Central lymphatic lesions can be congenital or acquired. While the latter can result from any surgery or trauma in the area of the thoracic duct, congenital lymphatic lesions can show a plethora of manifestations, ranging from singular thoracic duct abnormalities to complex multifocal malformations. Regardless of the anatomical location of the thoracic duct lesion, these conditions cause recurrent chylous effusions and downstream lymphatic congestion and are associated with increased mortality due to the permanent loss of protein and fluid. In case of disruption of the lymphatic flow, microsurgical reconstructive surgery is indicated to treat downstream congestion leading to bronchitis plastica, protein-loosing enteropathy, chylothorax, and chylascites. Thoracic duct-vein anastomoses can reconstruct the physiological lymphatic flow.