[Surgical management of cellulitis]

"Hypodermectomy" consists of resecting the sclerotic sub-malleolar plaque of adipose tissue, together with the responsible perforators. The operation is preceded by a long period of elastocompression. It is carried out under local anaesthetic and completed by a long or short saphenectomy, according to the case. The incision involves the entire inner surface of the leg. This long incision is vital to the reshaping of the hypodermis and the maintenance of the leg's outline. The dermis joined to the plaque has to be resected if it is much damaged. The operation thus becomes a "dermohypodermectomy". The elastocompression is continued post-operatively, with mobilisation, until complete recovery. This treatment is indicated in all cases of cellulitis (sclerotic plaque) which are not cured completely by several months' elastocompression. Age does not constitute a contra-indication, as long as there is no arteriopathy.