Lymphangiogram

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department at United Hospital Center for a Lymphangiogram. This exam is a two (2) day procedure performed to visualize lymph vessels and lymph nodes.

Upon arrival in the Diagnostic Imaging Department you will be asked to sign a consent form. You will then be placed on a radiographic table where the radiologist will begin the exam by injecting a blue dye between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd toes. This dye enables the radiologist to visualize the lymph vessels. The top of the foot is then numbed with a local anesthetic and a small incision is made. The incision is necessary to visualize the lymph vessels because they are very small. After the incision a tiny needle is inserted into a lymph vessel in the foot and contrast medium (x-ray dye) is injected. Once the injection is complete a series of x-rays of the pelvis, abdomen, and chest, will then be taken to visualize the lymph vessels.

You will then be asked to return to the Diagnostic Imaging Department the next day so that a second set of x-rays may be obtained.

Although there are risks, such as infection, reaction to contrast medium, rapid swelling of toes from the blue dye injection, fever, shortness of breath, or pulmonary microemboli, your physician feels the benefits of this procedure outweigh the risks and would aid in the treatment of your medical condition.

LENGTH: 1st Day: Approximately 6 hours; 2nd Day: Approximately 15 minutes

If your are pregnant, or think you might be, tell your doctor and the technologist BEFORE your exam.