[Direct lymphography with special reference to peripheral lymphedema. Historical retrospect--technique--indications--alternative procedures--image documentation].

Indication for direct lymphography during the past forty years shows a downward tendency, mainly because of new alternative modern imaging methods. Nevertheless, in agreement with the actual literature it can be shown by own investigations with 8000 patients from 1964 to 1989 that one cannot give up lymphography totally. On principle lymphography is still carried out in case of testicular tumors, malignant lymphomas, unclear fever, lymphatic vessel injury and facultative in peripheric lymph edemas.