Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A case of apronectomy for treatment of massive abdominal lymphoedema

  • Case Report
  • Published:
European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Lymphoedema of the abdomen is a very rare and debilitating condition. It is usually associated with morbid obesity, and although it can be a life-threatening condition, surgery is not usually offered because it is considered to be high risk. We present a case of morbid obesity and abdominal lymphoedema that was treated with a debulking apronectomy (25.4 kg reduction). We highlight the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative problems of this patient group. Massive apronectomy for abdominal lymphoedema can be safely performed in controlled circumstances. Although recovery is prolonged, the impact on the patient's quality of life is immense.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Barr J (2000) Massive localized lymphedema of suprapubic origin. Plast Reconstr Surg 106:1663–1664

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Clodius L (1990) Lymphedema. In: McCarthy JG (ed) Plastic surgery. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 4093–4120

  3. Farshid G, Weiss SW (1998) Massive localized lymphedema in the morbidly obese: a histologically distinct reactive lesion simulating liposarcoma. Am J Surg Pathol 22:1277–1283

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Grazer FM (1990) Abdominoplasty. In: McCarthy JG (ed) Plastic surgery. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 3929–3963

  5. Matory WE, O'Sullivan J, Fudem G, Dunn R (1994) Abdominal surgery in patients with severe morbid obesity. Plast Reconstr Surg 94:976–987

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Muhlbauer W (1989) Radical abdominoplasty, including body shaping: representative cases. Aesthetic Plast Surg 13:105–110

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Savage RC (1983) Abdominoplasty following gastrointestinal bypass surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 71:500–509

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Wu D, Gibbs J, Corral D, Intengan M, Brooks JJ (2000) Massive localised lymphedema: additional locations and association with hypothyroidism. Hum Pathol 31:1162–1168

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Zelikovski A, Haddad M, Koren A, Avrahami R, Loewinger J (2000) Lipedema complicated by lymphoedema of the abdominal wall and lower limbs. Lymphology 33:43–46

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 20 Manor Park, Dewsbury, WF12 7ST, UK

    Robert M. Warner

  2. Department of Plastic Surgery, Pinderfields General Hospital, Aberford Road, Wakefield, WF1 4DG, UK

    Robert M. Warner, George E. Spyrou & LeRoux Fourie

Authors
  1. Robert M. Warner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. George E. Spyrou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. LeRoux Fourie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert M. Warner.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Warner, R.M., Spyrou, G.E. & Fourie, L. A case of apronectomy for treatment of massive abdominal lymphoedema. Eur J Plast Surg 26, 260–262 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-003-0522-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-003-0522-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation