Treatment strategies and clinical aspects of lower limb edema following peripheral bypass surgery.

In selected patients who suffer from severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) a revascularization with a peripheral bypass might be considered. Postoperative edema is a well-known phenomenon following peripheral bypass surgery and is probably caused by multiple factors. Although postoperative edema causes discomfort to patients, the effects on the quality of life are unknown. Treatment and preventive strategies should nonetheless aim at achieving a net absorption of fluid from the interstitial space into the vascular or lymphatic compartment. A brief summarization of treatment strategies of lower limb edema will be presented that include the use of compression stocking and intermittent pneumatic compression. So far, the postoperative application of compression stockings seem to prevent and reduce edema as much as possible. Quality of life improves slightly following peripheral bypass surgery. However, a contribution of edema on the quality of life could not be detected.