Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

© 2014 BJS Society Ltd. 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

British Journal of Surgery

Publication Date

01/01/2014

Volume

101

Pages

1391 - 1396