[Role of surgery in the treatment of lymphedema]

Abstract

Treatment of lymphedema includes essentially complex decongestive physiotherapy. Surgical methods are various but the main problem is to select patients. Genital organs may benefit from excisional procedures. Results of surgery in upper or lower limb lymphedema are variable. Secondary lymphedema is considered as the best indication using microlymphaticovenous anastomosis. Surgery in lymphedema should be considered as an additional tool of treatment.