关键词: 淋巴管, 小隐静脉, 淋巴水肿, 淋巴管静脉吻合, 淋巴管移植

Abstract:

Objective　To determine the lymphatic anatomy around the small saphenous vein (SSV).  Methods　Six legs harvested from three unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Under a surgical microscope, a mixture of 6% hydrogen peroxide was used to detect the lymphatic vessels commencing in the skin between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the lymphatic vessel and injected with a radio-opaque barium sulphate or lead oxide mixture. The vessels around SSV were traced, photographed and radiographed.　Results　Two collecting lymphatic vessels were found along SSV, one on each side. They originated beneath the dermis between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon and some of them from the posteroinferior part of the leg. The vessels travelled tortuously in the subcutaneous tissue on each side of SSV and pierced the deep fascia in the posterosuperior part of the leg to enter the popliteal fossa. They then divided into small branches before entering the popliteal lymph nodes. The diameters of the vessels varied from 0.3 to 1.5 mm, larger in the proximal side and smaller in the distal end.  Conclusion　Actual and accurate lymphatic anatomy of the human extrimities has been described. This information can improve our anatomical knowledge and the results will be of bene?t for clinical management and further studies in the region.

Key words: Lymphatic vessel, Small saphenous vein, Lymphedema, Lymphaticovenular anastomosis, Lymphatic grafting