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[Results and limitations in surgery for Lipedema, Lymphedema and Elephantiasis of the lower limbs in a resource-limited country: Democratic Republic of Congo, 2010 to 2025]

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Title
[Results and limitations in surgery for Lipedema, Lymphedema and Elephantiasis of the lower limbs in a resource-limited country: Democratic Republic of Congo, 2010 to 2025]
Abstract
This study aims to present the results and limitations of surgery for lower limb lipoedema and lymphedema in a resource-limited surgical setting. This was a cross-sectional, analytical, prospective, in-hospital study covering 15 years. We surgically treated 119 patients, including 18 with lipoedema (15.1%), 69 with stage 2 lymphedema (57.9%), and 32 with elephantiasis (26.9%). We included 81 women (68%) and 38 men (31.9%). The majority (57.7%) of patients with lymphedema were between 30 and 49 years of age. Plastic and excisional surgery was performed in 42.2% of patients with stage 2 lymphedema and in 87.5% with stage 3 (elephantiasis). Lipoedema surgery consisted primarily of liposuction (77.7%). No lymphatic network reconstruction was performed. Our results, at 2 years' post-surgery, were very satisfactory, with limb symmetry in 83.3% of patients operated on for lipoedema, in 84.2% of patients operated on for stage 2 lymphedema, and in 85% of patients operated on for elephantiasis. Surgery for lower limb lipoedema, lymphedema, and elephantiasis is feasible in a resource-limited setting, although challenges remain. The lack of lymphatic network reconstruction constitutes our limitations. Microsurgery is necessary for optimal results.
Publication
The Pan African Medical Journal
Date
2025
Volume
52
Pages
88
Journal Abbr
Pan Afr Med J
PMID
41523866
PMCID
PMC12790389
ISSN
1937-8688
Short Title
[Results and limitations in surgery for Lipedema, Lymphedema and Elephantiasis of the lower limbs in a resource-limited country
Language
fre
Library Catalog
PubMed
Citation
Kibadi-Kapay, A. (2025). [Results and limitations in surgery for Lipedema, Lymphedema and Elephantiasis of the lower limbs in a resource-limited country: Democratic Republic of Congo, 2010 to 2025]. The Pan African Medical Journal, 52, 88. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2025.52.88.49056
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