Lymphostasis
CAUSES OF LYMPHOSTASIS
Lymphostasis is a condition of the human lymphatic system in which the circulation of lymph is disrupted and it lingers in the tissues of the body. Because of this, there are seals in the tissues, ulcers on the skin, thickening of the arms or legs, persistent swelling. Therefore, lymphostasis is also called lymphatic edema. With the progression of the disease, hypertrophy of the limbs develops (“elephant disease”), which ultimately leads to disability.
The cause of lymphostasis, as already mentioned, is a violation of lymph circulation. He may be called:
kidney pathology;
heart failure;
hypoproteinemia;
chronic venous insufficiency;
varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, arteriovenous fistulas;
defects and dysfunctions of the lymphatic system;
damage, obstruction of lymphatic vessels;
lymphoma, oncological diseases;4
radiation therapy;
parasitic infections, streptococcal lymphangitis.
Lymphostasis develops as a primary disease or as a secondary one. In the first case, it can be seen from childhood, it can develop on one or two limbs. In the second case, it appears after injuries, diseases and other disorders when the lymphatic system is already formed, it manifests itself, as a rule, on one limb, its nature is inflammatory, post–traumatic.
SYMPTOMS OF LYMPHOSTASIS
Stages of lymphostasis. Lymphostasis develops in stages, the symptoms depend on the stage.
1) Mild transient edema is the easiest stage of the disease. The swelling becomes larger by the end of the day, after physical exertion, prolonged walking or prolonged immobility, after rest or in the morning it passes. This stage of lymphostasis is reversible: with timely access to a lymphologist, the disease is treatable.
2) Irreversible edema – at this stage, the edema no longer disappears after rest, there is an overgrowth of connective tissue, the skin is stretched, pain is felt. If you press on the swollen place with your finger, the trace of pressing remains for a long time. Due to edema, the affected limb gets tired quickly, convulsions may occur on it.
3) Elephantiasis (irreversible edema, cysts, fibrosis) is the third, severe stage of the disease. Fibrocystic changes develop in the tissues, the limb loses the ability to function normally due to pronounced edema, contractures, eczema, trophic ulcers, deforming osteoarthritis, erysipelas, lymphosarcoma develop. The most severe complication at this stage can be sepsis, which usually leads to death.
The diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a surgeon, vascular surgeon, phlebologist, lymphologist. The doctor examines the patient, prescribes the necessary tests and studies (ultrasound, radiography, CT, MRI, etc.)
TREATMENT OF LYMPHOSTASIS
Treatment in this case aims to restore the normal circulation of lymph and its outflow from the extremities. To do this, the patient is prescribed lymphatic drainage massage, physiotherapy, wearing special compression underwear. In addition, with lymphostasis, a low-salt diet, therapeutic gymnastics, swimming are prescribed. Medications may be prescribed – phlebotonics, immunostimulants, etc. Local treatment of trophic ulcers, eczema (if they develop against the background of lymphostasis) is also carried out.
In the absence of a result from conservative therapy, as well as in severe lesions, surgical treatment is prescribed – liposuction, tunneling of the affected areas to divert lymph into healthy tissues, and other interventions to facilitate the outflow of lymph.
