Introduction The lymphatic system is the least understood part of the vascular system. Lymphatic malformations such as chylous disorders, cystic hygromas, and lymphocysts are rare; acquired disorders such as lymphoceles and chylous effusions are also uncommon. However, local interruption and…
Introduction In this chapter, we examine the lymphatic system ( Fig. 168.1 ) and its malfunction with a focus on current nonoperative treatments. The diagnosis and surgical treatment of lymphedema are discussed in other chapters. It is important to know…
Lymphedema is the term used to characterize the various pathological conditions in which there is progressive accumulation of protein-enriched interstitial fluid. Collectively, these forms of edema arise as a consequence of relative impairment of lymphatic vascular function. Lymphatic vascular insufficiency…
Introduction Aneurysms are abnormal dilations of blood vessels and occur most commonly in arteries. Venous aneurysms are rare but have been reported throughout the veins in the body, including the extremities, head and neck, and abdomen. When defining venous aneurysms,…
Introduction “The left renal vein as it lies between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery resembles a nut between the jaws of a nutcracker.” J.C.B. Grant, 1937 Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare clinical entity characterized by outflow obstruction…
Introduction Portal hypertension (PHT) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in pressure in the veins that carry blood from the visceral organs to the liver. This can be explained by Ohm’s law, where the change in pressure is equal…
Congenital absence of the inferior vena cava (AIVC) is a rare entity and is often first detected in the setting of an idiopathic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity. The overall incidence of AIVC in the general population…
In the United States each year about 15,000 patients develop symptoms of venous congestion of the head and neck due to occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC) or innominate veins. SVC syndrome is caused by malignant tumors of the…
Introduction A web-like lesion at the iliocaval junction was described by McMurrich, a Canadian physician, in 1908. Recognition of the lesion now commonly known as May–Thurner syndrome (MTS), or iliac compression syndrome, evoked a series of controversies from the start.…
Surgical Treatment Of Iliocaval Venous Obstruction The first successful venous reconstruction in a patient was reported more than 50 years ago by Warren and Thayer ; in the past 2 decades improvements in diagnosis, patient selection, surgical technique, and the…