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Review
. 2024 Feb 1;87(2):142-147.
doi: 10.1097/JCMA.0000000000001021. Epub 2023 Nov 14.

Genital elephantiasis: Surgical treatment and reconstruction

Jeremy Mingfa Sun  1   2 , Takumi Yamamoto  2
Affiliations
Review

Genital elephantiasis: Surgical treatment and reconstruction

Jeremy Mingfa Sun et al. J Chin Med Assoc. .

Abstract

Genital elephantiasis is a severe form of lymphedema of the groin. It is characterized by progressive enlargement and distortion of the genitals, presenting significant physical, psychological, and social challenges to the affected individuals. Although pharmacological treatment of filariasis is well-established in the medical field, the surgical management of genital elephantiasis can be varied and confusing. This review article provides an in-depth analysis of the etiology, classification, severity grading, and various effective surgical treatment and reconstructive modalities commonly employed by surgeons since the early twentieth century. We also discuss how a combination approach of ablation, soft tissue coverage, and lymphatic reconstruction is viable for treating genital elephantiasis. By examining the literature, we hope to provide insights into how surgery plays a role in the holistic management of genital elephantiasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to the subject matter or materials discussed in this article.

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References

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