LYMPH NODO-VENOUS SHUNT IN THE TREATMENT OF PROTEIN LOSING ENTEROPATHY AND LYMPHEDEMA OF LEG AND SCROTUM

Abstract

Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) is a syndrome associated with several diseases affectingthe gastrointestinal system. Recent comprehensive reviews can be found in eMedicine (1,2) andGastroenterology (3). Treatment by surgery, lympho-venous anastomosis, excision oflymphangiectatic small bowel and gastrectomy and transplantation of the small intestine,depending upon the cause, have all been reported. We obtained a successful result for PLEassociated with peripheral lymphedema by combining several sequential operative approachesincluding lymph nodo-venous shunt in the groin and reduction surgery for edema of the left legand scrotum.