[Edema after vascular surgery interventions and its therapy]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Lymphedema Management
• Peripheral Artery Occlusive Disease (PAOD)

Background:

• Lymphedema incidence post-vascular reconstruction is often underestimated.
• In advanced stages (III-IV) of PAOD, 80% of patients experience lymphedema; stage II shows approximately 30% incidence.
• Post-reconstructive edema is more frequent in stage III-IV PAOD, while secondary lymphedema and post-reconstructive edema occur similarly in stage II.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of lymphedema following vascular surgical reconstructions.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of complex physical therapy (CPT) in managing post-operative edema and lymphedema.
• To explore the benefits of lymphatic massage for patients with high-degree lymphedema.

Main Methods:

• Patient data analysis based on PAOD stages (II, III, IV).
• Assessment of lymphedema and post-reconstructive edema incidence.
• Application of complex physical therapy (CPT) including specialized lymphatic massage post-surgery.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of lymphedema observed in stages III-IV (80%) and stage II (30%) of PAOD.
• CPT, particularly lymphatic massage, effectively reduces leg swelling.
• Patients undergoing CPT demonstrate earlier rehabilitation and potential improvement in trophic lesion healing due to enhanced microcirculation.

Conclusions:

• Lymphedema is a significant complication of vascular reconstructions, particularly in advanced PAOD.
• Complex physical therapy is a valuable component of post-operative care, improving patient outcomes.
• Lymphatic massage is recommended for severe lymphedema cases to facilitate recovery and healing.