EMMANUIL KONDOLEON: PIONEER IN SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR LYMPHEDEMA

Abstract

Our era is characterized by the rapidimprovements in treatment in all areas ofmedicine. But we should not forget thosepioneers who, with their medical actions andinspiration, changed the course of their eraand left their mark on medical history. Oneof those is the Greek surgeon EmmanuilKondoleon (1879-1940). His brilliant scientificpersonality, numerous teaching activities, andhis notable publications made him a distinguishedProfessor of Surgical Pathology. Atthe beginning of the 20th century, when verylittle was known about lymphedema andespecially its treatment, Emmanuil Kondoleonarrived on the scene with his own originaltechnique that led the surgical treatment oflymphedema for more than 50 years. Madefamous as Kondoleon’s procedure, histechnique included wide excision of the fasciaand concomitant partial excision of the hypertrophictissue. Such important personalitiesas Kondoleon set great examples in medicalhistory and inspire future young generationsof physicians.