Entry lesions at the toes interdigital spaces, in the setting of chronic
lymphedema, are strongly associated with repetitive infective episodes which cause significant morbidity. A prospective study was designed to evaluate the outcome in 2 groups of patients affected by end stage III
lymphedema of the lower extremity, treated with the Charles procedure with or without simultaneous
amputation of the toes. At a mean 3 years of follow-up, 20% of the patients receiving elective toes
amputation experienced recurrence of the
infection and none required more proximal
amputations. Among the patients not desiring elective toes
amputation; 83% suffered multiples attacks of
cellulitis and in 88% the toes were eventually amputated. The difference in the number of infective episodes between the 2 groups was highly significant. No cases of recurrent
lymphedema were registered. Elective toes
amputation in combination with the Charles procedure reduces recurrent
cellulitis and long-term morbidity in stage III
lymphedema of the lower leg.