My SciELO
Services on Demand
Article
Indicators
Cited by SciELO
Related links
Similars in SciELO
Share
Revista Cubana de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular
On-line version ISSN 1682-0037
Abstract
ALVAREZ LOPEZ, Adanay; PEREZ LEONARD, Damaris; CHIRINO DIAZ, Lázaro and RODRIGUEZ VILLALONGA, Luis Enrique. Surgical Treatment for Volume Reduction of Lower Limb Lymphedema. Rev Cubana Angiol Cir Vasc [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.3 Epub Dec 01, 2023. ISSN 1682-0037.
Introduction:
Lymphedema of the lower limbs is the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium as a result of lymphatic vessel damage. In the field of angiology, it is most frequently related to the surgical treatment of cancer. The main goals in the management of lymphedema are to limit the patient's morbidity, and to improve functionality and quality of life. There are procedures that seek to prevent the development of lymphedema of the lower limbs. Once established, treatment can be conservative and surgical. Surgical treatment includes physiological (reconstructive) and resective procedures. Success depends on good patient´s selection and individualized treatment.
Objective:
To present the surgical treatment used for volume reduction of lymphedema of the left lower limb.
Case presentation:
A 38-year-old white male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus for three years, hypertension for 10 years, and early primary lymphedema for 10 years in the thigh region of the left lower limb. The patient was admitted days prior to surgery due to venous rest and physiotherapy (complex physical therapy). From a surgical point of view, an atypical lymphangiectomy was performed in the affected area.
Conclusions:
A decrease in the volume of the limb was achieved and its functionality was improved.
Keywords : lymphedema; atypical lymphangiectomy; lymphatic system.