Lymphatic complications after harvesting venous conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Abstract

Complications associated with the disorders of lymphatic outflow in the lower extremities are common in cardiovascular surgery involving the isolation of venous conduits and interventions on the femoral vessels. Despite the relatively low frequency, treatment of these complications requires significant efforts and does not always yield the expected results whereas timely diagnosis of lymphatic drainage disorders is often difficult. This becomes the reason for repeated hospitalizations, surgical interventions, long hospital stays, and disabilities. However, the problem of lymphatic complications is still not getting enough attention. This article discusses the pathogenesis, predictors of lymphatic complications, and the options and approaches to their treatment and diagnosis.