A COMPLEX PROGRAM OF THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LYMPHATIC EDEMA OF THE LIMBS

K.G. Abalmasov, A.A. Malinin, K.M. Morozov, Yu.S. Yegorov
A.N. Bakulev Scientific Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences; Chair of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Russian Medical Academy of Advanced Medical Training

The purpose of the work was to improve the results of the treatment of patients with chronic lymphatic edema (CLE). Analysis was made of the data on 1300 patients examined and treated over the past 15 years. The widely practised lymphovenous anastomotic constructions and other reconstructive operations made against indications resulted in the decline of the number of beneficial results. At the same time any lymph draining operation performed according to indications cannot guarantee stable results and requires undertaking measures to prevent recurrence. This circumstance formed the basis for a review of the treatment policy and the design of a complex program resting on the combination of surgical and conservative treatment together with delineation of strict indications for each modality depending on the genesis of CLE. We have devised our own method of conservative treatment. The preoperative preparation and postoperative rehabilitation were a constituent part of the method suggested. The program of lengthy rehabilitation also includes an individual training of the patients in elementary treatment skills in the management and prevention of edema progression. 500 patients were treated according to the program. Analysis of the results of the treatment using the complex program has demonstrated that positive results could be attained in 94.2% of the cases, exceeding 2.5-fold those obtained in the control group.

P. 93

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