Comments on operations for lower limb lymphoedema

Good results have been obtained from surgical operations for lymphoedema of the lower limbs using skin flaps with a blood supply to cover the muscles following reduction of swollen subcutaneous tissue. The Charles operation using free skin grafts for cover is reserved for tropical elephantiasis or patients with local skin in bad condition. A variety of other procedures of physiologic intent have given disappointing results and been abandoned. The results of 74 operations are reviewed with a view to improving still further the results. The mortality rate was nil and there were only minor complications.