DEFINITION: a pathology that is characterized by chronic edema, progressive, reversible to the beginning and then irreversibly, determined by alterations of the
lymphatic system of the lower limbs.
CLASSIFICATION:
- PRIMARY: for fail in the development of the normal lymphatic.
- SECONDARY:
-
- Traumatism
- Infection
- Neoplasia
- Treatment of radiotherapy and surgical interventions
MEDICAL HISTORY:
Three stages:
- STAGE I: reversible lymphedema. Edema is pitting and the swelling may become temporarily reduced by simple elevation of the affected limb.
- STAGE II: irreversible lymphedema. Elevation of the limb will not reduce the swelling any more.
- STAGE III: lymphostatic elephantiasis characterized by a tremendous increase in volume, leading to the association with the limb of an elephant.
COMPLICATIONS:
- FUNCTIONAL: inability to walk, to sit down and only to change position with help.
- INFECTION
- DELAY OF THE SCARRING
- OVERWEIGHT
- AESTHETICS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL
TREATMENT:
Medical/surgical treatments.
Complex descongestive physiotherapy. First, hygienic measures and the erradication of fungal affections are mandatory. Antibacterial treatment. Second, manual lymph drainage. Third, from de beginning of the treatment, bandages are applied over the the lymphedematous limb. Fourth, remedial exercises. Fifth, at the end of the treatment, wich lasts approximately four weeks, an elastic support, as strong as can be tolerated by the patient, made to measure, must be prescribed.
