ELEPHANTIASIS OF THE LEG
In more extreme cases when conservative treatment with daily footbaths, elevation and compression is not adequate, surgical treatment is an option. The primary result is usually very rewarding, but if conservative treatment is not followed after surgery the long term result will be disappointing.
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Skin from the affected leg is harvested with a dermatome and put aside.
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The edematous subcutaneous elephantiasis tissue is excised down to the fascia and disposed of.
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The harvested skin is meshed – here by hand
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The skin is grafted to the bare areas of the leg, and the leg is elevated by traction through a Steinman pin…..
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..until the graft is stable
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Continue with protective shoes, daily footbaths, elevation and compression.