[Edema after vascular surgery interventions and its therapy]

The incidence of lymphodemas after vascular surgical reconstructions is underestimated. In stage III and IV of PAOD 80% of our patients are suffering from lymphodemas, in stage II about 30%. In stage III and IV a postreconstructive edema occurs more often, in stage II the incidence of both, secondary lymphedema and postreconstructive edema is similar. A complex physical therapy (CPT) after a successful surgical reconstruction decreases the swelling of the legs by special lymphatic massage and the patients are earlier rehabilitated. The lymphatic massage should be applied only in patients with high degree lymphedematous legs. Because of the improvement of microcirculation a benefit for the healing of trophic lesions could be considered.