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BACKGROUND: One of the complications of lymphoedema is recurrent cellulitis. The aim was to determine whether lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) was effective at reducing cellulitis in patients with lymphoedema. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with arm/leg lymphoedema who underwent LVA. The frequency of cellulitis was compared before and after surgery. The diagnostic criteria for cellulitis were a fever of 38·5°C or higher, and warmth/redness in the affected limb(s). RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were included. The mean number of episodes of cellulitis in the year preceding surgery was 1·46, compared with 0·18 in the year after surgery (P < 0·001). CONCLUSION: LVA reduced the rate of cellulitis in these patients with lymphoedema.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/bjs.9588

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Surg

Publication Date

10/2014

Volume

101

Pages

1391 - 1396

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anastomosis, Surgical, Arm, Cellulitis, Female, Humans, Leg, Lymphatic Vessels, Lymphedema, Male, Microsurgery, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Secondary Prevention