From the organic to the psychological part: Peripheral lymphoedema treatment^[*]

The „desequilibrium” linked to mechanical lymphatic insufficiency is responsible for tissue structure and dysfunction (lymphoedema LO), sometimes very severe, underlining the vital role of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic stasis modifies the dermis and hypodermis (biggest part of the swelling) giving a high molecular weight protein oedema and the development of a fibrosis, fat excess (sometimes 50% over normal controlateral limb), fundamental substance changes and infectious crisis (aggravating factors). It is very difficult to get a comeback to a normal situation as some changes are non modifiable or difficult to improve. A significant reduction in swelling resulting from the treatments described by M. Földi are without doubt capable to reduce the swelling if the tissue modifications are minor or when composed dominantly of mobile substances. In addition to these organic difficulties, are the psychological factors resulting from poor body image and functional changes. The objective of the treatment is not only to reduce the organic problems but also to give the patients as good a quality of life as possible.

^* Festvortrag auf der 48. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie in Rostock am 6. Oktober 2006 anlässlich der Verleihung der Ratschow-Gedächtnis-Medaille an Herrn Prof. Dr. med. R. V. Cluzan durch das Curatorium Angiologicae Internationalis.

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