Lymphostasis

Lymphostasis (lymphedema) - a violation of the outflow of lymph, accompanied by swelling. The limb volume in this state increases. Heavy lymphostasis is called elephantiasis. The impetus for development may be trauma (bruise, vivih, fracture, burn), often a violation of lymph drainage occurs after surgery. Lymphedema can occur against a background of parasitic infection, streptococcal infection, heart disease and kidney disease. The emergence of this pathology is often promoted by radiotherapy. In tropical countries, there is lymphatic filariasis, this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Treatment of the disease is physiotherapeutic and surgical. Massage helps. Adherents of alternative medicine advise to use in the treatment of tar, honey, plantain, garlic. But alternative methods help only in the initial stages.

ICD-10 code

According to the international classification of diseases, the diagnosis of lymphostasis is code 189.8. ICD 10 - international classification of diseases of the 10th revision, approved in 2007.

Lymphostasis is a chronic stasis of lymph, it makes a person fat. Immunity falls, metabolism is disrupted, there are accretions on the musculoskeletal system, a person loses efficiency. This condition does not directly threaten life, but it significantly reduces its quality.

Causes of lymphostasis

Lymphostasis can be congenital or acquired.

Consider the stages of the disease with the example of lymphostasis of the lower extremities.

• At the first stage (called lymphedema), we see swelling of the ankle joint, which passes after rest and intensifies in the evening and in hot weather.
• The second stage (fibredema) is a dense edema along the entire lower limb, constant and not passing. The leg is deformed, there are warts.
• The third stage is elephantism. It is accompanied by deformation and irreversible edema. This often makes travel difficult. This stage is treated by liposuction.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Lymphostasis after mastectomy

In the course of mastectomy, axillary lymphadenectomy is performed, removal of the lymph nodes. How to treat lymphostasis after mastectomy? As a rule, diuretic herbal preparations, massage and a swimming pool are prescribed. Removal of lymph nodes and vessels is done to increase the efficiency of the operation, but it is impossible to predict how this will affect a woman's health. If any solid seals appear, consult a physician.

Lymphostasis of the extremities

Congenital lymphostasis is caused by underdevelopment of the lymphatic system. Lymphostasis of extremities in adults is caused by tumors of soft tissues, inflammations and traumas, disorders of the endocrine system. Over time, the skin becomes dense and the limb loses its contours.

In addition to local symptoms, the patient often has lethargy and inattention.

To diagnose lymphostasis of the extremities, it is optimal to pass an MRI.

An effective method of treatment is a massage of the buttocks, thighs, hardware massage. Ultrasound and mud therapy, heat therapy are applied.

Lymphostasis of lower extremities

Congenital lymphostasis of the lower extremities is a hereditary disease. Provoke a violation of the outflow of lymph also post-operative scars and trauma. As a result, the changes are initially imperceptible, and the patient consults the doctor only when he sees a thickening of the skin and an increase in the size of the limb.

The disease begins with a soft swelling on the back of the foot. Over time, folds appear on the site of the edema.

First, the patient is prescribed conservative treatment, physiotherapy and compression knitwear. Of the medications - Actovegin and Troxevasin.

Competently selected diet, salt consumption is limited, swimming and running, cycling are recommended.

From the alternative methods, the decoction of plantain and dandelion roots, the treatment of bee products, proved effective. Women need to give up wearing high heels.

Lymphostasis of the hip

First, you need to identify the reason for which lymphostasis of the hip. Most often, it is varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

Lymphostasis of the thigh in unopened cases is easily treated by the conduct of therapeutic physical training. Simple exercises clean the vessels and strengthen muscles, help to get rid of insomnia. Once the muscles become more trained, the load can be increased. Edema decreases if you keep your legs in an upbeat position.

Lymphostasis of the lower leg

Factors that provoke lymphostasis of the tibia:

1. Obesity
2. Erys
3. Operations

Initially, the patient rarely goes to the doctor. Many have become accustomed to swelling at the end of the day or in hot weather. Pain at the stage of lymphedema is not present. The patient notices that the limb is enlarged in volume. The skin is edematous. If you contact a surgeon at this stage, he will prescribe a course of lymph drainage massage and exercise therapy, sanatorium treatment.

In the second stage of lymphostasis, the swelling is no longer mild. He does not fall off after sleep.

At the third stage, the limb loses its contours and the patient has difficulty walking. At this stage, surgical treatment is performed - removal of the altered skin. Treatment of elephantiasis is a difficult task.

Lymphostasis of foot

Lymphostasis is a slowly progressive disease. At an early stage, there is swelling of the foot. Gradually, the swelling spreads, creases appear.

The patient at all stages is advised to bandage the legs with elastic bandages or wear special underwear.

The operations that are carried out at the third stage give only a cosmetic effect, they do not restore the trophic. Therefore, it is so important to begin treatment on time - at a stage where only the foot is affected. At this stage, the ointments "Troxevasin" and "Actovegin" are prescribed.

At what else diseases the finiteness can increase in volume? This is obesity, and gigantism of the limb, and neurofibromatosis. Self-medication is not worth it. The increase in the limb in the volume during lymphostasis, as a rule, is not accompanied by varicose veins.

Lymphostasis of the hand

Often, the lymphostasis of the hand is a consequence of a mastectomy (removal of the breast). During the operation regional lymph nodes are removed, as well as sometimes a small pectoralis muscle.

Lymphostasis of the hand manifests itself in the form of persistent edema of the limb. Edema disrupts the structure of the skin, making it dense and dark. Deformity of the upper limb may occur. On the skin, trophic ulcers are formed. In addition to the removal of the breast, lymphostasis of the hand can provoke burns and dislocations, infections, and irradiation. Violation of lymph drainage after surgery may not occur if the patient is doing gymnastics aimed at improving lymphatic drainage. In most of the operated women, edema disappears within a month after mastectomy.

Primary lymphostasis of the upper limb is manifested in adolescence.

Secondary form - a consequence of erysipelas, obesity and the transferred operations and traumas.

Recommendations for patients with lymphostasis of the hand. The surgeon recommends wearing a compression sleeve. It increases the pressure in the lymphatic vessels, and they begin to work harder. With limo-facial treatment, hands should avoid skin injuries, wear clothes that do not restrict movement, do not visit the sauna and do not sunbathe.

• The first stage is accompanied by its easy puffiness. When seeking help, this condition is reversible.
• The second stage is accompanied by a more dense edema. The skin on the arm stretches, it causes pain. Treatment is still possible, but longer and more complex.
• The third stage is irreversible. Wounds appear on the hands. The fingers are deformed.

Anyone with an increased risk of developing a violation of lymph drainage by hand, should consult a phlebologist. He will designate ultrasound and clinical laboratory tests.

Treatment of hand lymphostasis includes:

1. Manual lymphatic drainage;
2. Compression sleeve;
3. Therapeutic gymnastics.
4. Electrostimulation of muscles.
5. Laser therapy.
6. Magnetotherapy.

Lymphostasis of the neck

Lymphostasis of the neck, head, cavity of the pelvis and genitals is rare. Lymphostasis of the neck is manifested by her edema, trophic skin changes and eczema.

There are primary and secondary lymphostasis of the neck. Primary impairment of lymph drainage develops with the syndrome of Meige, Turner, Klippel-Trenone and is often combined with other developmental malformations. The causes of secondary lymphostasis are infection, trauma and neoplasm. Parasitic diseases and erysipelatous inflammation can also provoke lymphostasis of the neck. Neck lymphostasis develops after trauma, especially if the patient is lying for a long time.

Treatment of lymphedema should be started in the early stages. Exercises that are appointed by the surgeon contribute to the movement of lymph. They are accompanied by light muscular contractions.

There is a technique of lymphatic drainage massage - hardware and manual.

Exercises and massage can be combined with surgical treatment. Impaired lymph drainage requires an individual treatment plan.

Lymphostasis on the face

Lymphostasis most often develops on the lower and upper limbs, but can also appear on the face. The patient notes that swelling increases during the warm season, decreasing in winter. Can completely disappear after sleep. Disturbing feelings of heaviness and bursting.

As a result of the development of a violation of the outflow of lymph, local tissue immunity weakens. The load on the skin increases, acne can become aggravated.

For diagnosis, lymphography is used.

Methods of treatment of lymphostasis of the face: lymphosorption, lymphatic drainage. The process of treatment requires patience and perseverance.

If the conservative methods are ineffective, lymphostasis on the face is treated promptly: surgically creating anastomoses or transplanting the lymph nodes.

Lymphostasis in breast cancer

Lymphostasis in breast cancer develops, because the surgeon, along with the removal of the breast, also removes the nearby lymph nodes, which breaks the lymphatic flow.

In 20% of patients undergoing surgery, there is no violation of lymph outflow, in 90% of those who developed it, edema is observed within 1 month after the operation.

For the prevention of postoperative lymphostasis, it is necessary:

1. One week before the surgery, start gymnastics for the muscles of the shoulder girdle. At sportsmen the lymphatic system easily consults in case of the compulsory removal of lymphonoduses. Exercise should continue to do and after surgery for at least 9 months.
2. It is necessary to reduce salt intake: discard cheese, pickled cucumbers and fat. Limiting the intake of salt reduces the growth of the tumor. Salt can be replaced with sea kale.
3. You can recommend the use of diuretics: honeysuckle, goldenrod, oats, eggplant.
4. After the operation, radiotherapy may be administered. Recommendations for the prevention of such a phenomenon as lymphostasis in breast cancer, must also be performed if the patient is exposed to radiation.

Lymphostasis of scrotum

Lymphostasis of the scrotum develops on the background of surgical operations on the genitals. Disruption of lymph drainage occurs with coagulation and is fairly common. After surgery, the swelling of the scrotum occurs in the first day, but it is characterized by a benign course and quickly passes.

This disease can also occur with filariasis. The filariasis (filariasis) is caused by filaria (nematodes). Adult filarias are parasites of lymphatic vessels. They are transmitted by mosquito bites. South America and China are endemic. Adult parasites are in the human body for 15-20 years. Basically, the lymph nodes of the pelvis are affected, which causes lymphostasis of the scrotum. In patients with filariasis, genital organs increase. The skin on them is edematic and wrinkled.

Treatment of filariasis is carried out with preparations of notesin and ditrazine. After getting rid of nematodes, scrotum lymphostasis, as a rule, quickly passes.

Postoperative lymphostasis

Secondary lymphostasis is the acquired swelling of the tissues that occurs on the background of surgical interventions, inflammation, trauma, and heart disease. After the operation, the movement of lymph is disturbed, since lymphatic vessels are bandaged or removed. The tissues accumulate the products of the vital activity of cells. With postoperative lymphostasis, the skin becomes dry. After many operations, gymnastics is prescribed, especially if there is a risk of developing a violation of lymph drainage (for example, with the removal of the breast). Patients, in addition to gymnastics, are assigned a compression bandage and swimming, Scandinavian walking. In severe cases, liposuction is performed. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed and improving the outflow of lymph. It is necessary to ensure that clothing does not constrain movement. Postoperative lymphostasis, if you pay attention to it in time, successfully succumbs to conservative treatment.

Post-traumatic lymphostasis

Often after bruises, dislocations, fractures, posttraumatic lymphostasis occurs.

• At the first stage of the disease, swelling is mild, disappears after rest, increases with prolonged restriction of mobility.
• In the second stage the edema is permanent, the skin is compacted. When pressed, the trace remains.
• The third stage is the elephant stage. The patient develops eczema and trophic ulcers.

For treatment, groups of drugs are used: phlebotonics, enzymes and immunostimulants.

Of the physiotherapeutic procedures, laser therapy is effective. It is compulsory to perform a special set of exercises.

Chronic lymphostasis

Lymphostasis is congenital (primary) and acquired (secondary).

At the heart of congenital lymphostasis is the underdevelopment of the lymphatic system. A hereditary violation of the outflow of lymph is evident in several members of the family.

Secondary chronic lymphostasis provokes:

• Tumors of soft tissues
• Traumatic injury
• Irradiation in the treatment of tumors
• Operations
• Parasites
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Heart and kidney pathologies.

Women are sick more often than men.

When the outflow of lymph is disturbed, fluid and protein accumulate in the tissues. Blood circulation worsens. There is tissue hypoxia. The skin thickens, becomes a gateway to infection.

First there is a small swelling, with no pain. Then it becomes denser and does not go away after sleep. Finiteness (namely, with chronic lymphostasis of the extremities, doctors often encounter) is deformed.

Under the influence of elastic compression in the first stage, edema can pass completely.

To diagnose a chronic violation of lymph drainage, consultation of a phlebologist, ultrasound, blood and urine tests, and MRI is indicated.

In neglected cases, when the disease has gone far, doctors are forced to resort to prompt intervention. The purpose of the operation is to reduce the thickness of the limb, to restore the outflow of lymph.

[5], [6], [7], [8]

Lymphostasis in children

Lymphostasis in children is caused by anomalies in the development of the lymphatic system. It develops on the lower and upper limbs and on the face. The prevalence is 1: 10000. Congenital lymphostasis can be combined with limb dysplasia. The disease most often begins to manifest itself in adolescence and young age, when the load on the lymphatic system increases.

Methods of diagnosis: lymphography, ultrasound.

Treatment consists in the appointment of a complex of massage and exercise therapy and kopressionnoy knitwear, lymphatic drainage.

Lymphatic drainage - cautious limb massage for 30-45 min. Contraindications: tumors and thrombosis of veins.

Children with congenital lymphostasis are important to monitor body weight, since obesity contributes to its development.

Compression stockings are used to treat congenital disorders of lymph drainage. They are better to make to order.

What is dangerous lymphostasis?

At the first stage, the outflow of lymph is not manifested, except for a minor edematous syndrome. Patients rarely consult a doctor and, unfortunately, with no treatment, the disease leads to disability. The third stage of the disease is called elephantia. The limbs of the patient acquire a characteristic appearance. Especially strong discomfort while experiencing women. Their psychological balance is disturbed.

Also, a patient with lymphostasis is very susceptible to infections.

Pain with lymphatic stasis

Stretching the skin causes pain with lymphostasis.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the first stage of the disease. Lymphostasis and lymphedema are successfully treated in the early stages. The main goal of the treatment is to prevent complications and improve the appearance of the limb.

Wearing a bandage is an important part of therapy, it can reduce swelling by 50%. Compression jersey is also appointed, which is selected individually. Prolonged exposure in one position is contraindicated. It is necessary to avoid the sauna and hot tub.

Lymphostasis and lymphedema increase the risk of infection of the skin with fungi. The skin of open areas of the body requires special protection.

Therapeutic exercise is conducted. It helps to speed up the movement of lymph.

Patients should not overload the kidneys and heart.

Elephantiasis

Elephancy is a late stage of chronic lymphostasis. With elephantiasis, extremities and genitals are affected.

Thanks to the development of microsurgery, surgical treatment of the disease has become more successful, a good cosmetic effect has been provided, such interventions are not highly traumatic. At the last stage, conservative treatment is ineffective.

[9], [10], [11], [12]

Treatment of lymphostasis

Treatment of lymphostasis in Ukraine is often unsuccessful. Therefore, many patients are interested in where you can get treatment for this disease in Germany. It is an opportunity to get rid of an unpleasant illness that causes physical and psychological suffering.

Vascular surgeons in Germany have a priority in developing a solution to the problem of lymph drainage disorders. Indications for surgical treatment are revealed in 3-5% of patients. Programs for the treatment of lymphostasis in Germany are made individually.

Treatment in Israel

Treatment of lymphostasis in Israel is very effective due to the proximity of therapeutic sources. The substances that are contained in them improve the outflow of lymph.

In Israel, phlebologists with a world-wide reputation work. In clinics, the patient feels comfortable with Russian-language support.

Treatment in Belarus

Treatment of lymphostasis in Belarus is conducted in sanatoriums, where a full range of physiotherapy procedures is used. The most popular are pneumatic compression systems. They have proved their effectiveness. This method eliminates edema and venous congestion, improves oxygen supply to tissues, improves tissue trophism and skin turgor.

Medication

The drug treatment of lymphostasis has an auxiliary role.

Groups of drugs for the treatment of lymphostasis:

1. Phlebotrophs: flavonoids (Detralex), Troxerutin, Eszin, Escuzan.
2. Coumarins.
3. Diuretics (diuretics).

Detralex is a venotonic. It is taken twice a day during meals. The course of treatment is three months. Contraindications: drug intolerance. Do not use during lactation.

Troxerutin is a preparation with venotonic activity and anti-inflammatory action. It increases the vascularity of the vessels and improves the trophism. It is available in the form of capsules and ointments. Capsules are taken without chewing, along with food. Dosage - 1 capsule 3 times a day. The course of treatment is about 5 weeks. Gradually, the dosage can be reduced to one capsule 1 time per day.

Gel troxerutin is applied a thin layer on the affected areas 2 -3 times a day. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Side effects: headache, rash, itching, hives, hyperemia of the skin.

Eszin is a glycoside based on the horse chestnut fruit. Has anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effect. Contraindications: chronic renal failure, 1 trimester of pregnancy. Not applicable for breastfeeding.

Dosage: inside - 40 mg 3 times a day. Then the dose is reduced to 20 mg 3 times a day. The drug is also available in the form of a gel. It is applied to affected areas several times a day.

Escuzane has an effect similar to escin, but it also contains vitamin B1. Decongestant and venotonic medication.

Method of use: solution for ingestion take 12-15 drops 3 times daily before meals. The drops are dissolved in a small amount of water.

Also, the drug is released in tablets. Tablets are taken one to three times a day. The course of treatment is three months.

Of the side effects may be irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, nausea and allergies.

The drug is contraindicated in the early stages of pregnancy, with kidney disease and lactating mothers. Not recommended for use in childhood.

Alternative treatment of lymphostasis

[13], [14], [15], [16]

Treatment with tar

Bake a bulb in the oven, peel and add a tablespoon of tar. Attach to the affected area. The course of treatment is 3 months.

Treatment with garlic

Take the garlic, clean and pass through the meat grinder. 250 g. Chesnok, pour 350 grams of liquid honey and insist 10 days. Take three times a day for an hour before meals for 2 months.

Treatment of lymphostasis with plantain

Take two tablespoons of leaves of plantain, pour two cups of boiling water. The next morning strain the broth. Take four times a day before meals. Alternative treatment of lymphostasis by this method lasts 3 months.

Treatment of lymphostasis with leeches

Treatment of lymphostasis with leeches reduces the tension of the limb. The leeches are placed on the lymphatic collectors. The number of leeches per session, on average - 4 pcs. The periodicity of the production is 2 rubles / week. Treatment courses can be repeated after 5 months. The method has proved to be successful in the violation of lymph drainage after removal of the mammary gland.

Medicinal leeches are safe, used once.

Prevention of lymphostasis

What is the prevention of lymphostasis? How to avoid a disease so difficult to treat? This is, first of all, timely treatment of wounds, kidney and heart disease, active lifestyle, prevention of obesity.

This disease can be prevented, it is enough to adjust the diet and lifestyle.

Lymphostasis is a disease that causes physical and psychological discomfort, but with today's development of medicine it does not pose a danger to life, and it can be controlled. Complex treatment will help to defeat the violation of lymph drainage. Your perseverance and positive attitude will help you in this.