ISSN:
1442-2042
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background: Filariasis is an endemic problem in various Indian states. We evaluated the results of long-term follow up (10–20 years) of patients with filarial chyluria.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 160 patients treated for filarial chyluria who presented to the Banaras Hindu University Hospital from 1982 to 1992. Eighty-four patients (52.5%) were treated using diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and a fat restricted diet and 76 patients (47.5%) underwent surgery. To examine the long-term effects of filarial chyluria we analysed data on post-treatment recurrence, weight gain, dietary freedom, chyluria free period and a number of other associated factors.Results: Previous history of filariasis or its complication was documented in 19% of patients. In 71% of cases, cystoscopy showed that chylous efflux was predominant in the left ureteric orifice. The long-term remission rate was 62% in the conservatively managed group (DEC + fat restricted diet), whereas 90% of patients in the operated group were cured. Postoperative recurrence rate was 10%. There was more weight gain and dietary freedom along with a longer chyluria free period in the operated group relative to the conservatively managed group.Conclusions: Definitive surgical ablation of lymphatic urinary fistula is better than conservative medical management because it has a higher success rate, more dietary freedom and, therefore, better patient acceptability.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-2042.2003.00761.x
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