Novel Method of Liposuction in Primary Lymphedema

Ravi Chittoria

doi:10.31579/ijccr/003

Abstract

Chronic lymphedema is a devastating problem for the patient and major financial and social burden. There are various medical and surgical management options available. One of the methods of treatment of chronic lymphedema is liposuction. We have used a novel modification of liposuction adhering to the principles to help in better aspiration of fat and fluid.

Highlights

Lymphedema is a chronic and important cause of lower limb swelling which is difficult to treat [1]
Chronic lymphedema treatment may be combined with liposuction along with other conservative modalities when physiological procedures are not adequate or are not feasible
Greene et al evaluated the effects of liposuction in one patient with primary lymphedema affecting the leg, and two patients with secondary lymphedema [4]

Summary

Introduction

Lymphedema is a chronic and important cause of lower limb swelling which is difficult to treat [1]. Various drugs have been used both to treat the primary infection, prevent secondary infection and to reduce the limb circumference such as diethylcarbamazine, albendazole, diuretics, benzopyrones, various antibiotics (to treat and prevent secondary infections) etc. Surgical treatment includes both physiological and reductive or ablative procedures [2]. Physiological procedures may be lymphaticovenous shunt, nodovenous shunt, vascularised lymphnode transfer etc. In cases where these fail or may not be available, ablative procedures like liposuction, Charles procedure or Thompson procedure may be done. We would like to discuss the novel technique of liposuction done in our patient as a part of our treatment

Methodology

Findings

Discussion