Surgical treatment of elephantiasis of the feet in congenital lymphedema to facilitate the use of a compression mechanism

• Main Authors: José Maria Pereira de Godoy, Lina MO Azoubel, Maria de Fátima Guerreiro Godoy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2010-03-01
• Series: International Journal of General Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/surgical-treatment-of-elephantiasis-of-the-feet-in-congenital-lymphede-a4040

José Maria Pereira de Godoy1, Lina MO Azoubel2, Maria de Fátima Guerreiro Godoy2,31Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Medicine School of São Jose do Rio Preto-FAMERP, Brazil; 2Godoy Clinic, Lymphovenous Rehabilitation, Medicine School, São José do Rio Preto-FAMERP, Brazil; 3CAPES (Coordination of improvement of Personal of Superior Level), Rio de Janeiro, BrazilAbstract: The aim of the current study is to report on the minimal surgical treatment of elephantiasis of the feet to facilitate the use of compression mechanisms. The cases of two patients with congenital lymphedema that evolved to elephantiasis involving the feet are reported. Intensive treatment of the lymphedema was performed with a significant reduction in size thus allowing a better identification of the limits of tissue masses for the surgical approach. This reduction enabled primary suturing of the lesions to be carried out and fast healing of the wounds. The surgery greatly improved large deformities of the toes and feet and facilitated further treatment of the lymphedema using bandaging. Thus, the skin was preserved, there was a reduction in the size of the feet, and the patients were able to start wearing shoes.Keywords: elephantiasis, surgical treatment, feet, lymphedema