Microlymphangiographic study of lymphatic regeneration following intestinal anastomosis.

Using a technique of intestinal microlymphangiography, the canine intestinal lymphatic system was studied. Appearance of a two dimentional network above the muscularis mucosa layer was found to be characteristic. A study of the lymphatic regeneration pattern of the intestinal anastomosis showed a cross circulation through newly reconstructed lymphatics to commence on the seventh postoperative day and to be completed by the 21st day.