Venous insufficiency, lymphocutaneous fistula, and use of autologous blood

J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 2020 Oct 30;7(1):61-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2020.10.011. eCollection 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Lymphocutaneous fistulas are an uncommon occurrence that can present after surgical intervention in lymphatic-rich areas. A spontaneous lymphatic leak can occur in conjunction with lymphedema or in the vicinity of venous stasis ulcers. However, spontaneous lymphocutaneous fistulas are extremely rare. Traditional treatments have included surgical ligation, negative pressure therapy, and embolization. We present the case of a lymphocutaneous fistula secondary to chronic venous stasis, which was treated via injection of autologous blood and subsequent thrombosis. In the present case report, we have demonstrated successful embolization of a lymphatic vessel via autologous blood injection, a nontraditional technique that, nonetheless, yielded positive and lasting results.

Keywords: Autologous blood; Lymphatic leak; Lymphedema; Lymphocutaneous; Stasis; Venous insufficiency.

Publication types

  • Case Reports