Recurrent acute leg cellulitis after hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy

Recurrent acute leg cellulitis known to occur in patients with impaired venous or lymphatic circulation was surveyed prospectively in 270 patients after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and in 66 patients after hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy from 1977 to 1985. Among them, six (2%) and three (4%) patients experienced a total of 17 episodes of acute leg cellulitis, respectively. Analysis showed that postoperative percutaneous radiation therapy of the pelvic area was a highly significant risk factor. Penicillin prophylaxis is recommended for patients experiencing recurrent attacks.