Vol 17, No 4 (2011)
Case reports
Published online: 2011-12-14
Liposuction in the treatment of idiopathic lower extremity lymphoedema
Katarzyna Podgórska, Katarzyna Drożdż, Andrzej Bieniek, Andrzej Szuba
Acta Angiologica 2011;17(4):271-276.
Vol 17, No 4 (2011)
Case reports
Published online: 2011-12-14
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
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
Keywords
lymphatic system; liposuction; compression therapy
Title
Liposuction in the treatment of idiopathic lower extremity lymphoedema
Journal
Acta Angiologica
Issue
Vol 17, No 4 (2011)
Pages
271-276
Published online
2011-12-14
Bibliographic record
Acta Angiologica 2011;17(4):271-276.
Keywords
lymphatic system
liposuction
compression therapy
Authors
Katarzyna Podgórska
Katarzyna Drożdż
Andrzej Bieniek
Andrzej Szuba