DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i02.012

Pages: 349-354

Untreated acute lymphedema leads to elephantiasis. Anatomical deformities cause disability and psychological issues. Several types of treatment have been used by practicians since the Antiquity. The aim of this study is to assess the indications and results of surgery for Elephantiasis of the lower limb. This is a retrospective study conducted at Fann University Hospital in Dakar, from February 2008 to august 2015. Ten patients underwent surgery for elephantiasis. Patients benefited first from preparation of surgery with pre-operative management of lymphedema. The Servelle’s surgical method was used for nine patients. It is a surgical technique in which total surface lymphangectomy is done. One patient underwent reconstructive surgery of the lymphatic drainage system, with lymph nodes shave and epiploic patching using the abdominal epiploic tissue. In results Early complications were observed: an infected hematoma in 4 patients (40%), inducing skin flap necrosis in 3 patients (30%).The long term follow up showed normalization in 2 patients( 20%) , more than 50% of volume decrease in 6 patients(60%), less than 50% of volume decrease in 2 patients(20%). In conclusion excisional method such Servelle’s surgical method used in this series gives cosmetic benefit and allows compression stockings, despite frequent post-operative complication. It could improve the quality of life for patients with dysmorphic elephantiasis.