[Lymphedema. Diagnostics and therapy].

Swellings of the extremities are often observed in routine practice and are initially seen as a symptom; therefore, it is extremely important to find the cause and often produces differential diagnostic problems. As the diagnosis of lymphedema is mostly a clinical one it is especially necessary to thoroughly investigate an exact anamnesis and clinical examination which should be combined with as little technical equipment as possible. Implementation of the correct and consistent therapy of this chronic disease and continuous surveillance represents a special challenge for physicians and therapists. Operative solutions represent the last resort and often end in unsure results.