Lymphosuction – a new treatment modality for chronic filarial lymphedema

The surgical treatment of filaritic lymphedema despite various well reasoned attempts in the past to improve function and contour has to date defied cure. The technique of blunt suction lipectomy has been applied in eight cases and it appears to be well tolerated with encouraging short term results. The final results were accepted favourably by the patients because of smaller incisions, instant improvement in contour, reduction in weight of limb in addition to simple and minimal postoperative care required. Based on our findings, lymphosuction can be a useful treatment modality in mild grades of filarial lymphedema, though further long term clinical observations and studies are required to define its exact indications and limitations. Severe cases require lymphosuction plus excisional debulking. Received: 17 January 1996 / Accepted: 15 July 1997