Elephantiasis and Directed Occupational Rehabilitation

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the cure of elephantiasis over a ten-year follow-up period and novel discoveries with directed occupational rehabilitation. A 66-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral lower limb lymphedema reported the aggravation of the condition over the years, reaching stage III (elephantiasis). The physical examination confirmed elephantiasis. The circumference of the left lower limb was 106 cm. Her body weight was 106 kilograms, height was 160 cm, and the body mass index (BMI) was 41.6 kg/m2. The patient was submitted to intensive treatment for three weeks, which led to a 21-kg reduction in weight and 66 cm reduction in leg circumference. Ten years after treatment, the patient has maintained the results with the compression stockings. Elephantiasis can be cured, although lymphedema cannot. The cure of elephantiasis depends on maintaining the treatment of lymphedema after normalization or near normalization. Directed occupational therapy stimulates the search for new activities and a life closer to normality.

Mechanical Lymphatic Drainage (RAGodoy®): Literature Review

“…In 2018, the RAGodoy® device was evaluated regarding the change in body mass index during intensive treatment, the treatment of post-traumatic lymphedema, and the mobilization of fluids during intensive treatment [27][28][29]. In 2019, studies were conducted assessing the use of the device in the intensive treatment of lymphedema in occupational rehabilitation, the assessment of its results using impedance and reactance, its effects on joint mobility, and its effects on the maintenance of the results of the treatment of lymphedema [30][31][32][33]. In 2020, a study was conducted evaluating the effects of the device on the reduction in edema in 409 patients submitted to intensive treatment with a combination of therapies [34].…”

Grosgrain Stockings in the Treatment of Primary Congenital Lymphedema

“…In recent years, Godoy & Godoy have developed a novel concept involving hand-crafted stockings made of grosgrain fabric. These stockings develop both working and resting pressure and therefore meet the criteria for the compression mechanism [5][6][7][8][9].…”