Circumferential suction-assisted lipectomy in the treatment of primary and secondary end-stage lymphoedema of the leg.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of end-stage lymphoedema of the leg is challenging, especially when conservative treatment fails and there is a large volume difference between the affected and unaffected legs. Circumferential suction-assisted lipectomy (CSAL) has been described as a treatment option for end-stage lymphoedema of the leg. Here, the long-term results of CSAL in end-stage primary and secondary lymphoedema of the leg were analysed. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of patients treated with CSAL for unilateral chronic irreversible lymphoedema of the leg. Compression therapy was resumed after surgery. Leg volumes were measured before surgery, and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients with primary lymphoedema had a median preoperative volume difference between affected and unaffected legs of 3686 (i.q.r. 2851-5121) ml. Two years after surgery, this volume difference was reduced to 761 ml, a 79 per cent reduction. In the 41 patients treated for secondary lymphoedema, the median preoperative volume difference was 3320 (i.q.r. 2533-4783) ml, decreasing after 2 years to -38 ml (101 per cent reduction). The preoperative volume difference and the sex of the patient significantly influenced the final outcome after 2 years. The outcome was not related to BMI or other patient characteristics. CONCLUSION: CSAL is an effective method for treating both primary and secondary lymphoedema of the leg.

Development of consensus International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core sets for lymphedema.

To understand the challenges of patients with lymphedema it is important to describe functioning and to measure the effectiveness of treatment in changing functioning. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) offers an international framework to classify functioning of persons in their personal environment. ICF Core Sets are lists of selected ICF categories concerning those important aspects of functioning that are most likely to be affected by a specific health problem or disease. These Core Sets make it easier and faster to describe and communicate the patient's problems and to define treatment goals. Furthermore, they are available to health care providers of all professions, researchers, health insurance companies and policy-makers. The objective of this document is to present the outcomes of a consensus conference held to determine the first versions of the ICF Core Sets for lymphedema. Frequency rankings were made of the ICF categories derived from four preparatory studies, being: a) a systematic review; b) a qualitative study; c) an expert survey; and d) a cross-sectional study. By means of working group discussions and plenary sessions, a final consensus on ICF categories was achieved and Comprehensive and Brief Core Sets for lymphedema for the upper limb, lower limb, and midline lymphedema were defined. These ICF Core Sets contain different items in each region. Future validation of these Core Sets for health professions and for countries is needed.

Identification of relevant ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) categories in lymphedema patients: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To describe functioning and health of lymphedema patients and to identify their most common problems using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as part of the preparatory studies for the development of ICF Core Sets for lymphedema. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a population of lymphedema patients (n = 200), undergoing treatment in a Dutch lymphedema-specialized hospital. The second-level categories of the ICF were used to collect information on patients' problems in daily functioning. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 56 years (22-84). In total 78.5% of the patients were female. The most frequent mentioned items were: In the Body Functions component: muscle power and mobility of joints, in the Activities and Participation component: doing housework, and changing and maintaining a body position, in the Environmental Factors: Health professionals, who can act as both facilitators and barriers. Interestingly, patients assessed their health more positively than health professionals do. CONCLUSION: By using the ICF, a considerable part of the broad spectrum of problems in functioning of lymphedema patients was reported.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary lymphedema. Consensus document of the International Union of Phlebology (IUP)-2013.

Primary lymphedema can be managed effectively as a form of chronic lymphedema by a sequenced and targeted treatment and management program based around a combination of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT) with compression therapy, when the latter is desired as an adjunct to DLT. Treatment in the maintenance phase should include compression garments, self-management, including self-massage, meticulous personal hygiene and skin care, in addition to lymphtransport-promoting excercises and activities, and, if desired, pneumatic compression therapy applied in the home. When conservative treatment fails, or gives sub-optimal outcomes, the management of primary lymphedema can be improved, where appropriate, with the proper addition of surgical interventions, either reconstructive or ablative. These two surgical therapies can be more effective when fully integrated with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)-based DLT postoperatively. Compliance with a long-term commitment to MLD/DLT and particularly compression postoperatively is a critical factor in determining the success of any new treatment strategy involving either reconstructive or palliative surgery. The future of management of primary lymphedema has never been brighter with the new prospect of gene-and perhaps stem-cell oriented management.

Chronic edema of the lower extremities: international consensus recommendations for compression therapy clinical research trials.

Chronic edema is a multifactorial condition affecting patients with various diseases. Although the pathophysiology of edema varies, compression therapy is a basic tenant of treatment, vital to reducing swelling. Clinical trials are disparate or lacking regarding specific protocols and application recommendations for compression materials and methodology to enable optimal efficacy. Compression therapy is a basic treatment modality for chronic leg edema; however, the evidence base for the optimal application, duration and intensity of compression therapy is lacking. The aim of this document was to present the proceedings of a day-long international expert consensus group meeting that examined the current state of the science for the use of compression therapy in chronic edema. An expert consensus group met in Brighton, UK, in March 2010 to examine the current state of the science for compression therapy in chronic edema of the lower extremities. Panel discussions and open space discussions examined the current literature, clinical practice patterns, common materials and emerging technologies for the management of chronic edema. This document outlines a proposed clinical research agenda focusing on compression therapy in chronic edema. Future trials comparing different compression devices, materials, pressures and parameters for application are needed to enhance the evidence base for optimal chronic oedema management. Important outcomes measures and methods of pressure and oedema quantification are outlined. Future trials are encouraged to optimize compression therapy in chronic edema of the lower extremities.

Penile and scrotal lymphedema as an unusual presentation of Crohn's disease: case report and review of the literature.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory intestinal disease that primarily causes abdominal pain and diarrhea. We report a male patient who presented with penile and scrotal lymphedema and inguinal fistulas as the first manifestations of Crohn's disease. Extraintestinal or metastatic Crohn's disease initially presenting as genital lymphedema with fistula formation is rare. Skin lesions in extraintestinal Crohn's disease typically show non-caseating, sarcoidal granulomas with numerous foreign body- and Langhans-type multinucleated giant cells, which are separated from intestinal involvement by normal skin. Treatment options are limited and include multi-immunosuppressant medications.

Dose finding for an optimal compression pressure to reduce chronic edema of the extremities.

AIM: The optimal pressure to reduce chronic extremity swelling is still a matter of debate. The aim of this paper was to measure volume reduction of a swollen extremity depending on the amount of pressure exerted by compression stockings and inelastic bandages. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with unilateral breast cancer related arm lymphedema were investigated in a lymph clinic in the Netherlands, 42 legs with chronic edema of the lower extremities were examined in a phlebological centre in Italy. The arm-patients were randomized to receive inelastic arm bandages with a pressure between 20-30 mmHg or 44-68 mmHg. The leg patients were either treated with compression stockings (23-32 mmHg) or with inelastic bandages (pressure 53-88 mmHg). Water-displacement volumetry and measurement of leg circumference was performed before and after compression. RESULTS: In the arm-patients low pressure after 2 hours achieved a higher degree of volume reduction (-2.3%, 95% CI 1.0-3.6) than high pressure (-1.5%, 95% CI 0.2-2.8) (n.s.). In patients with leg edema compression stockings in the range between 20 and 40 mmHg showed a positive correlation between exerted pressure and volume reduction, bandages applied with an initial resting pressure of more than 60 mm Hg resulted in a decreasing volume reduction. CONCLUSION: There is obviously an upper limit beyond which further increase of compression pressure seems counterproductive. For inelastic bandages this upper limit is around 30 Hg on the upper and around 50-60 mmHg on the lower extremity.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary lymphedema. Consensus document of the International Union of Phlebology (IUP)-2009.

Primary lymphedema can be managed safely as one of the chronic lymphedemas by a proper combination of DLT with compression therapy. Treatment in the maintenance phase should include compression garments, self management including the compression therapy, self massage and meticulous personal hygiene and skin care in addition to lymph-transport promoting excercises. The management of primary lymphedema can be further improved with proper addition of surgical therapy either reconstructive or ablative. These two surgical therapies can be effective only when fully integrated with MLD-based DLT postoperatively. Compliance with a long-term commitment of DLT postoperatively is the most critical factor determining the success of any new treatment strategy with either reconstructive or palliative surgery. The future of management of primary lymphedema caused by truncular lymphatic malformation has never been brighter with the new prospect of gene-oriented management.

Cancer-related secondary lymphoedema due to cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa: clinical presentations and review of literature.

Lymphoedema is a clinical condition caused by impairment of the lymphatic system, leading to swelling of subcutaneous soft tissues. As a result, accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid and lymphostasis often causes additional swelling, fibrosis and adipose tissue hypertrophy leading to progressive morbidity and loss of quality of life for the patient. Lymphoedema can be distinguished as primary or secondary. Lymphoedema is a complication frequently encountered in patients treated for cancer, especially after lymphadenoectomy and/or radiotherapy based on destruction of lymphatics. However, although lymphatic impairment is sometimes caused by obstructive solid metastasis, we present three cases of secondary lymphoedema with minor dermatological features without detectable solid metastasis. Sometimes this type of lymphoedema is mistakenly called malignant lymphoedema. All patients were previously treated for cancer without clinical signs of recurrence, presented with progressive lymphoedema and minor dermatological features of unknown origin. Clinical and histopathological examination of the skin revealed diffuse lymphangitis carcinomatosa, leading to secondary lymphoedema and adjustment of the therapeutic approach and prognosis. We reviewed literature on these rare presentations of cancer recurrence and recommend, where appropriate, consulting a dermatologist when discrete skin abnormalities are seen in patients with a history of cancer and developing lymphoedema.

Novel missense mutations in the FOXC2 gene alter transcriptional activity.

Mutations in the FOXC2 gene that codes for a forkhead transcription factor are associated with primary lymphedema that usually develops around puberty. Associated abnormalities include distichiasis and, very frequently, superficial and deep venous insufficiency. Most mutations reported so far either truncate the protein or are missense mutations in the forkhead domain causing a loss of function. The haplo-insufficient state is associated with lymphatic hyperplasia in mice as well as in humans. We analyzed the FOXC2 gene in 288 patients with primary lymphedema and found 11 pathogenic mutations, of which 9 are novel. Of those, 5 were novel missense mutations of which 4 were located outside of the forkhead domain. To examine their pathogenic potential we performed a transactivation assay using a luciferase reporter construct driven by FOXC1 response elements. We found that the mutations outside the forkhead domain cause a gain of function as measured by luciferase activity. Patient characteristics conform to previous reports with the exception of distichiasis, which was found in only 2 patients out of 11. FOXC2 mutations causing lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome reported thus far result in haplo-insufficiency and lead to lymphatic hyperplasia. Our results suggest that gain-of-function mutations may also cause lymphedema. One would expect that in this case, lymphatic hypoplasia would be the underlying abnormality. Patients with activating mutations might present with Meige disease.

Circumferential suction-assisted lipectomy for lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of arm lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer ranges from 1 to 49 per cent. Although most women can be treated by non-operative means with satisfying results, end-stage lymphoedema is often non-responsive to compression, where hypertrophy of adipose tissue limits the outcome value of compression or massage. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 37 women with unilateral non-pitting lymphoedema. After initial conservative treatment for 2-4 days, circumferential suction-assisted lipectomy was used to remove excess volume. Limb compression was resumed after surgery with short-stretch bandages, followed by flat-knit compression garments. RESULTS: The mean preoperative excess arm volume was 1399 ml. The total aspirate volume was 2124 ml with 93 per cent aspirate adipose tissue content. After 12 months, the mean reduction in excess volume was 118 per cent. The percentage reduction in excess volume after 12 months was linearly related to the preoperative excess volume but showed no linear relationship with the duration of lymphoedema or surgeon experience. CONCLUSION: Circumferential lipectomy combined with lifelong compression hose is an effective technique in end-stage lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer.

Lymphatic venous anastomosis (LVA) for treatment of secondary arm lymphedema. A prospective study of 11 LVA procedures in 10 patients with breast cancer related lymphedema and a critical review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) varies between 7-35% depending on the combination of treatment modalities. Early detection of BCRL is crucial in order to start an effective non-operative treatment program. Because of the lack of prospective research on this topic, this study was undertaken to prospectively determine the effect of Lympho Venous Anastomosis (LVA) on BCRL and to review the current literature. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Ten patients who were previously treated for breast cancer by surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and were unresponsive to 12-weeks of non-operative treatment, underwent an LVA procedure (Degni-Cordeiro). Objective measurements were gathered for circumferential measurement and water volumetry, and quality of life. Various types of lymphoscintigraphy were carried out pre-operatively and post-operatively at 3 and 12 months. Treatment was embedded in a multidisciplinary setting. RESULTS: Post-operative volume measurements initially showed a 4.8% reduction of lymphedema at 3 months and a 2% reduction after one year. Various scintigraphic parameters showed some improvement. Quality of life questionnaires reported minimal improvement. Reviewing the literature, only retrospective studies were found; these reported varying results for LVA procedures. The selection of patients, classification of lymphedema, indications and types of LVA, and additional therapeutic options were heterogeneous, not comparable, and lacked a validated method of effect-assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a minimal reduction in volume of lymphedema following LVA; in the literature, there was no convincing evidence of the success of LVA. Non-operative treatment and elastic stockings are still preferred by most patients with lymphedema, especially in early stages with few irreversible changes.

Diagnosis and therapy in children with lymphoedema.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoedema (LE) is a disorder characterized by persistent swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage because of various aetiologies, including lymphatic injury and congenital functional or anatomical defects. OBJECTIVE: Literature review and expert opinion about diagnosis and treatment of LE in children. RESULTS: LE is rare in children, with a prevalence of about 1.15/100,000 persons, 20 years old. The management of LE in children differs considerably from adults in terms of origin, co-morbidity and therapeutic approach. The objective of this presentation is to discuss practical issues related to clinically relevant information on the diagnosis, aetiology, work-up and treatment of LE in children. In contrast to adults, who usually experience secondary LE because of acquired lymphatic failure, most cases in children have a primary origin. The diagnosis can be made mainly on the basis of careful personal and family history, and physical examination. LE in children can be part of a syndrome if there are other concomitant phenotypic abnormalities and if a genetic defect is recognizable. Treatment of LE is mostly conservative utilizing decongestive LE therapy including compression therapy, directed exercises, massage and skincare. In the neonate, initial observation alone may be sufficient, as delayed lymphatic development and maturation can result in spontaneous improvement. The role of parents is crucial in providing the necessary input. CONCLUSION: We present a review emphasizing a practical approach to treating a child with LE according to current publications and our own experience.

[New surgical options for patients with secondary lymphedema of the arm who no longer benefit from regular treatment]. / Nieuwe chirurgische mogelijkheden voor patiënten met uitbehandeld secundair lymfoedeem van de arm.

Three patients are described who developed irreversible lymphedema of the arm following mastectomy because of breast cancer. Despite maximal conservative treatment, a difference in volume between the affected arm and the healthy arm remained (900-1500 ml). The patients underwent reductive surgery by means of circumferential suction assisted lipectomy, involving removal of hypertrophied adipose tissue. This was the first experience with this procedure in the Netherlands. The differences in arm volume were neutralised completely with a significant improvement of the shoulder function. In order to make the results lasting, the patients have to wear medical elastic stockings day and night for the rest of their lives. Long-term volume measurements are essential.

Erysipelas as a sign of subclinical primary lymphoedema: a prospective quantitative scintigraphic study of 40 patients with unilateral erysipelas of the leg.

BACKGROUND: Erysipelas is a common skin infection that is usually caused by beta-haemolytic group A streptococci. After having had erysipelas in an extremity, a significant percentage of patients develops persistent swelling or suffers from recurrent erysipelas. We hypothesize that in cases of erysipelas without a clear precipitating agent, subclinical pre-existing congenital or acquired disturbances in the function of the lymphatic system are present. The persistent swelling after erysipelas is then most likely caused by lymphoedema. OBJECTIVES: We designed a study to examine if erysipelas of unknown origin is associated with a pre-existent insufficiency of the lymphatic system. If our hypothesis is correct, patients with erysipelas of unknown cause without previously evident lymphoedema should have evidence of disturbed lymphatic transport in the unaffected extremity. METHODS: A prospective study, in which lymphoscintigraphy of both legs was performed in patients 4 months after presenting with an episode of erysipelas only in one leg. No patient had any known risk factor for erysipelas, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic venous insufficiency or clinical signs of lymphoedema. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed in 40 patients by subcutaneous injection of Tc-99m-labelled human serum albumin in the first web space of both feet. After 30 and 120 min, quantitative and qualitative scans were performed using a computerized gamma camera. During the lymphoscintigraphy, the patients performed a standardized exercise programme. Lymph drainage was quantified as the percentage uptake of Tc-99m-labelled human serum albumin in the groin nodes at 2 h after injection. Groin uptake of < 15% is pathological; uptake between 15-20% is defined as borderline, and uptake of > 20% as normal. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD percentage uptake in the groin nodes in the affected limbs was 9.6 +/- 8.5% vs. 12.1% +/- 8.9% in the nonaffected limbs. The mean paired difference in uptake between the nonaffected vs. affected side was 2.5% (95% confidence interval 1.1-3.9%). This indicates that lymphatic drainage in the nonaffected limb was only slightly better than in the affected limb despite the infectious event in the latter. Of 33 patients with objective impairment of lymph drainage in the affected limb, 26 (79%) also had impaired lymph drainage in the nonaffected limb. Agreement in qualitative measurements between affected and nonaffected leg was less pronounced: 21 patients had abnormal qualitative results in the affected leg of whom nine also had impairment of the nonaffected leg (43%). CONCLUSIONS: Erysipelas is often presumed to be purely infectious in origin, with a high rate of recurrence and a risk of persistent swelling due to secondary lymphoedema. In this study, we show that patients presenting with a first episode of erysipelas often have signs of pre-existing lymphatic impairment in the other, clinically nonaffected, leg. This means that subclinical lymphatic dysfunction of both legs may be an important predisposing factor. Therefore, we recommend that treatment of erysipelas should focus not only on the infection but also on the lymphological aspects, and long-standing treatment for lymphoedema is essential in order to prevent recurrence of erysipelas and aggravation of the pre-existing lymphatic impairment. Our study may change the clinical and therapeutic approach to erysipelas as well as our understanding of its aetiology.

A comparison of twice-daily calcipotriol ointment with once-daily short-contact dithranol cream therapy: quality-of-life outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of supervised treatment of psoriasis in a day-care setting.

BACKGROUND: Calcipotriol ointment and short-contact dithranol cream therapy are well-established topical treatments for psoriasis. Quality of life, i.e. the physical, psychological, and social functioning and well-being of the patient, has become an essential outcome measure in chronic skin disease. OBJECTIVES: To compare the quality-of-life outcomes of calcipotriol ointment with that of short-contact dithranol cream in a supervised treatment regimen, and to determine the degree of improvement in quality of life these topical treatments can accomplish. METHODS: In a multicentre randomized controlled trial in six centres in the Netherlands, 106 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were included, 54 receiving calcipotriol ointment twice daily and 52 dithranol cream once daily in a 12-week intensive treatment programme. Patients were treated at the day-care centre, using the care instruction principle of daily visits during the first week and twice-weekly visits subsequently for up to 12 weeks. Quality of life was assessed with the Skindex-29 and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: At the end of treatment, no statistically significant differences were found between the calcipotriol and the dithranol group in any of the quality-of-life domains or scales of the Skindex-29 and the SF-36. Over time, a significant improvement of quality of life was found on all three scales of the dermatology-specific Skindex-29, predominantly of a moderate magnitude. In the calcipotriol group, a significant change of a small magnitude was found in the Physical Component Summary of the SF-36. No significant changes were found in the Mental Component Summary (or on any of the eight scales composing the questionnaire) of the SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis was confirmed, that no statistically significant differences in improvement of quality of life could be found between calcipotriol ointment and dithranol short-contact cream in a day-care setting. Given this result, both calcipotriol and dithranol can be welcome alternatives for the patient. Calcipotriol, being more practical and patient friendly, can be considered as a first-line approach in clinical practice. However, in patients recalcitrant to calcipotriol and/or other topical treatments, preference should be given to the dithranol regimen. Topical treatment in combination with interventions explicitly focusing on improvement of coping behaviour and psychosocial functioning may further increase the degree of improvement in the psychosocial domains of quality of life. The results of this study are likely to give further evidence to the notion that the generic SF-36 is little or not responsive to small to moderate changes in quality of life in mild to moderate psoriasis.

A comparison of twice-daily calcipotriol ointment with once-daily short-contact dithranol cream therapy: a randomized controlled trial of supervised treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in a day-care setting.

BACKGROUND: Calcipotriol has become a first-line treatment for psoriasis. Its efficacy and safety have been shown in many comparative clinical trials carried out in outpatients. In a comparative study in patients visiting the outpatient department once every 14 days, it was shown that calcipotriol was more effective and better tolerated compared with dithranol. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical efficacy of calcipotriol ointment with that of dithranol cream in a supervised treatment regimen. METHODS: In a multicentre randomized controlled trial in six centres in the Netherlands, 106 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were included, 54 receiving calcipotriol ointment twice daily and 52 dithranol cream once daily. Patients were treated at the day-care centre, using the care instruction principle of daily visits during the first week and twice-weekly visits subsequently for up to 12 weeks. RESULTS: This study failed to prove that calcipotriol is as efficacious as dithranol when used in a day-care setting (noninferiority test). The mean percentage reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index from baseline to end of treatment was 57.0% in the calcipotriol group vs. 63.6% in the dithranol group. However, the two-sided test for superiority indicated no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups (P = 0.39). At the end of treatment, 15% of the patients treated with calcipotriol ointment and 25% of those treated with dithranol cream did not require any further treatment. Although calcipotriol ointment appeared to be more effective during the first 8 weeks, a difference was no longer apparent at 12 weeks. In comparison with the high number of drop-outs due to cutaneous side-effects in the calcipotriol group, the frequency of a tolerable degree of irritation appeared to be higher in patients treated with dithranol. However, concomitant corticosteroid treatment of dithranol irritation in seven patients may have contributed to this difference between both treatments. Moreover, patients receiving therapy with calcipotriol ointment experienced fewer application-related skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders than patients treated with dithranol cream: 21 of 53 (40%) and 37 of 52 (71%), respectively. This difference is statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that calcipotriol ointment might be at least as effective as dithranol cream in the day-care setting could not be proven in the present study. Whereas calcipotriol has become a mainstay in the routine outpatient treatment of psoriasis not requiring a day-care setting, dithranol treatment, being difficult as a routine outpatient therapy, has increased efficacy and improved tolerability if the treatment is carried out in a day-care setting.

Teledermatology reduces the number of patient referrals to a dermatologist.

During a two-year study, 505 teledermatology consultations were carried out on 503 patients of 29 participating general practitioners (GPs) in the province of Friesland. One overview and two detail digital photographs of the skin problems were taken on a digital camera and attached to an email message containing standard clinical information. These email messages were sent to a dermatologist, who replied by email after evaluation. After a median follow-up time of 548 days, the GPs were interviewed about the dermatological referrals. The reduction in referrals was 51% (0.95 confidence interval = 47-58%) when the GP had the intention to refer. When the GPs had no intention to refer, there turned out to be a secondary traditional consultation in 17% of cases. The reduction of 51% of referrals after store-and-forward teledermatology consultation was similar to that seen in other studies of videoconferencing. Consultation using digital store-and-forward teledermatology by the GP can halve the number of referrals to a dermatologist for selected patients.