Persistent retrograde venous-lymphatic reflux in side-to-end lymphaticovenous anastomosis in a lower extremity with lymphedema: a case report

End-to-end (ETE) and side-to-end (STE) anastomosis are two common configurations of lymphaticovenous (LVA); however, it remains inconclusive which method is better. A 62-year-old man with lower extremity lymphedema underwent LVA the STE on ankle. When lymphatic vessel was cut for additional at proximal leg, blood drained out from end a vessel, suggested venous-lymphatic reflux Because continued until 1 hour after previous ankle, ankle re-explored converted to ETE by ligation vessel. Reverse corrected, lymphovenous shunt created immediately ligation. The current case suggests that can be inferior creating when venous backflow exists.