Optimizing outcome of charles procedure for chronic lower extremity lymphoedema.
BACKGROUND
The Charles procedure for late-stage lower limb lymphoedema (LLL) is often criticized for its unpredictable and poor results. We have adopted a systematic approach to optimize outcome of patients treated with this excisional surgery.


METHODS
From June 2004 to March 2009 we performed the Charles procedure on 1 lower limb of 19 women and 8 men with late-stage LLL. Mean age and follow-up was 48 (range, 16.5-77.8) years and 21.6 (range, 1.5-48) months, respectively.


RESULTS
Average inpatient stay was 27 (range, 11-54) days. After discharge, 16 (59.3%) patients underwent further minor surgery. The most frequent complication was a single, short episode of cellulitis, affecting 5 (18.5%) patients. Self-reported mobility was either the same or improved at 6 months, and appearance of their limbs satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
The Charles procedure is an effective treatment for selected patients and by applying our systematic approach, a positive outcome can be achieved.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Vasu
V
Karri
Ming-Chin
MC
Yang
Il Jae
IJ
Lee
Shih-Heng
SH
Chen
Joon Pio
JP
Hong
Enny-Sonia
ES
Xu
Jaqueline
J
Cruz-Vargas
Hung-Chi
HC
Chen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013624:Taiwan; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult