Three patients presented with swelling of the leg after surgical removal of the greater saphenous vein (GSV): two of them after stripping of the GSV for varicosity, and one after harvesting the GSV for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Lymphoscintigraphic examination of the affected leg revealed impaired lymphatic drainage. Two of the subjects showed an impaired lymphatic drainage in both legs, suggesting a pre-existing dysplastic lymphatic system. We discuss and review the cause of lymphedema after venous surgery.
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