Liposuction in the treatment of idiopathic lower extremity lymphoedema

Abstract

Idiopathic lymphoedema of the lower extremities is an uncommon disease of unknown aetiology. Possible pathogenic factors include infection, genetic predisposition, and lymphatic vascular malformations. Diagnosis is usually based upon clinical presentation; however, it should be confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy. Standard treatment, recommended by the International Society of Lymphology, called complex decongestive therapy (CDT) includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy using low-stretch bandages, and decongestive exercises. CDT is an effective treatment which is proven in clinical studies; however, in some cases only limited or no oedema reduction can be achieved. Liposuction, introduced to lymphoedema therapy by Brorson, has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment in lymphoedema not responding to compression therapy. We present a case of idiopathic lower extremity lymphoedema treated with liposuction in our centre.
Acta Angiol 2011; 17, 4: 271–276