Lymphoedema tarda is thought to result from congenitally deficient lymphatic reserve. Incompetent lymphatic valves lead to local failure of the lymphatic system and reduce the ability of the remaining lymphatics to drain lymph, leading to late-onset chronic lymphoedema. In this study, eight patients with lower-limb lymphoedema with obstructed lymphatics diagnosed by lymphoscintigraphy underwent lymphovenous anastomosis. Participants’ initial limb circumferences were measured at the end of a normal working day and at monthly clinics thereafter for a mean follow-up of 18.25 months. There was a 13.3% reduction in mean limb circumference, with six patients (75%) experiencing a significant reduction in circumference. The creation of lymphovenous anastomosis in lymphoedema tarda had a positive outcome in this small study, suggesting that further studies are warranted.
