ISSN:
1435-0130
Keywords:
Chronic lymphoedema
;
Buried dermis flap
;
Late results
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Existing methods for the treatment of chronic lymphoedema of the extremities by surgery, are briefly reviewed. The results of 20 years experience using the buried dermis flap are presented, as applied to 140 patients, affecting 102 lower limbs and 49 upper. The need for prolonged follow-up is stressed. In the lower limb 88 limbs affected by primary lymphoedema resulted in 51% good results and 32% significantly improved; the corresponding figures in 14 limbs with secondary lymphoedema were 57% and 14%. — In the upper limb, of 49 arms treated, good results were obtained in 61% and significant improvement in 18%. In all cases treated, recurrent attacks of cellulitis were reduced or abolished in the majority. Complications to operation are discussed; the commonest is localised skin flap necrosis, occuring in almost half the cases treated, but requiring formal reoperation and skin grafting in only a minority. — Evidence is submitted that the long-term results obtained, taken into consideration together with the cosmetic values and relative simplicity of the operation, makes it the procedure of choice in the surgical management of this condition.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00264785
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