An Experimental Lymphedema Animal Model for Assessing the Results of Lymphovenous Anastomosis

The lymphatic system is the least studied of the body's systems, and as a result its contribution to human health and diseases is not well known. The failure of the lymphatic system to drain extravasated fluid efficiently leads to accumulation of lymph in the interstitial tissue, thus causing lymphedema. Despite developments in microsurgery procedures, the results of lymphedema treatment remain disappointing. The aim of this study was to develop an experimental animal model that is able to reproduce the disease and to apply various surgical and therapeutic approaches.Lymphedema was induced in New Zealand white rabbits by a total skin denudation and destruction of the lymph channels via microsurgery in the right ear, leaving the left ear as control. Lymphedema generation was observed between days 7 and 15 after intervention. On day 15, a terminal venous lymphatic anastomosis was performed on the posterior edge of the right ear. Serial measurements of ear thickness were made during the study. Ear thickness was significantly (p < 0.05) increased after lymphedema induction compared to baseline (3.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.04 mm). After anastomosis, ear thickness was reduced (2 ± 0.26 mm).This animal model of lymphedema induction in the ear proved to be a reproducible alternative for studying new approaches to lymphedema treatment and for developing microsurgical skills.