Lymph Transport before and after Regional Lymphadenectomy as Demonstrated With 99Tcm: Preliminary experiences

: The lymphatic transport of a radioactive tracer injected intralymphatically on the dorsum of the foot was determined before and after surgery in 3 patients with vulvar carcinoma. The centrally recorded activity curves showed different time courses before and after inguinal lymphadenectomy, suggesting that the lymphatic transport is short-circuited via lymphovenous anastomoses after lymphadenectomy. Thus, non-radical surgery for primary carcinoma combined with lymphadenectomy will increase the risk of haematogenous spread.