Cancer-related lymphedema is a progressive, chronic condition that impairs quality of life. Its pathophysiology and the mechanisms of action of current reconstructive surgical treatments are not fully understood but lymphaticovenous communications may play a key role. We review the available literature on lymphaticovenous communications and their implications in lymphedema surgery, and propose a subclassification of lymphaticovenous communications. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:374-380. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords: cancer-related lymphedema; lymphaticovenous communications; lymphedema; lymphedema surgery; pathophysiology.
© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.