Lymphedema: results of surgical treatment in 64 patients (1936-1964)

Patients with peripheral lymphedema are usually treated without operation. In some, however, operations are required in order to reduce swelling, ensure comfort, and improve function and appearance. Because new surgical approaches are available for the treatment of peripheral lymphedema, we reviewed our previous operative experiences for these conditions at the Mayo Clinic to provide a reference to which the newer procedures may be compared. Sixty-four patients underwent operation for peripheral lymphedema between 1936 and 1964. Follow-up information was obtained on 56 patients. Seventeen patients required three procedures to alleviate the swelling in an extremity. Morphologic aspects of the excised tissue were also evaluated in these cases. Results were considered excellent in 13, good in 22, fair in 8, and poor in 13. Complications of operation consisted primarily of wound infections, hematomas, and necrosis of skin flaps.