The purpose of this study is to determine whether surgical treatment of lipedema (stage I, II or III) using liposuction significantly improves leg pain compared to the use of complex decongestive therapy (CDT).
After being informed about the study and potential risks, all patients that gave written informed consent will undergo a run-in phase of up to seven months for edema elimination and maintenance of results using complex decongestive therapy (CDT). Afterwards, patients will be assigned to one of the two treatment groups via internet randomization, provided that all inclusion and exclusion criteria continue to be met. Randomization will be 2:1 (intervention: control). In the intervention arm, patients will receive liposuction treatment (number of surgeries at the discretion of the treating study physician: a maximum of four surgical procedures, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 weeks between each surgery) with, if necessary, concomitant CDT to maintain the surgical results as required by the patient. The primary endpoint (regarding pain in the legs in stages I, II or III) will be assessed after an observation period of 12 months after final liposuction surgery. This is followed by a further follow-up period for 24 months to observe and document the further course.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
450
Liposuction treatment will be performed according to the study protocol using the "wet technique" depending on the amount of fat to be removed, if necessary in several sessions.
Praxis für Dermatologie, Dermatochirurgie und Phlebologie
Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Venenzentrum Freiburg
Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Universitätsklinikum Regensburg
Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
Successful Pain Reduction After 12 Months (≥ 2 Points on a Numeric Rating Scale)
The primary end point is the relevant reduction of the average pain of the last four weeks in the legs (≥ 2 points on a Numeric Rating Scale; German Pain Questionnaire) 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation.
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Change in Pain Severity as Assessed by German Pain Questionnaire
Change in severity according to von Korff et al. (1992) regarding pain in the legs (stage I, II or III). The severity is calculated based on the questions of the German Pain Questionnaire according to von Korff et al (1992). The assessment of the pain intensity as well as the impairment and information on the days of impairment are included in the calculation of the severity (classes 0 = no pain to 4 = high, pain-related impairment, strongly limiting).
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomization (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Change in Health-Related Quality of Life According to SF-36 Questionnaire
Change in health-related quality of life according to SF-36 questionnaire.
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomization (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Change in Health-Related Quality of Life According to DLQI Questionnaire
Change in health-related quality of life according to DLQI questionnaire (a clinically relevant change corresponds to ≥ 4 points change in DLQI sum score).
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
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Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
Hautmedizin Bad Soden
Bad Soden am Taunus, Hesse, Germany
Hautklinik Darmstadt
Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
Hautarztpraxis Mühltal
Mühltal, Hesse, Germany
Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg Klinik für Plastische, Ästhetische, Rekonstruktive und Handchirurgie
Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
Johanniter GmbH Waldkrankenhaus Bonn
Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Klinik und Praxisklinik für Plastische Chirurgie
Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
...and 2 more locations
Change in Health-Related Quality of Life According to WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire
Change in health-related quality of life according to WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Change in Total Impairment According to Schmeller et al. (2010)
Total impairment is measured by taking the mean of 7 numerical rating scales assessing the domains pain (spontaneous, pressure), swelling, hematoma, movement, cosmetic appearance and quality of life (0 (none) - 10 (always/very strong) points), see Schmeller et al. (2010).
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Altered Depression Tendency According to PHQ-9 Questionnaire
Altered depression tendency according to PHQ-9 questionnaire (a clinically relevant improvement corresponds to ≥ 5 points reduction in PHQ-9 sum score).
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Altered Hematoma Tendency According to Schmeller et al. (2010)
Hematoma ("Are you prone to bruising?") is measured by a numerical rating scale (0 (none) - 10 (always/very strong) points), see Schmeller et al. (2010).
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Changed Prevalence of Edema
Changed prevalence of edema
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Change in the Scope of the Physical Therapy
The scope of the physical therapy is measured by the number of treatment sessions per month.
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Change in Body Fat Percentage According to Wright et al. (1981)
Change in body fat percentage, determined according to formula from Wright et al. (1981), collected by means of measuring tape at the following points: * abdominal circumference: measurement at the level of the navel. The tape measure is placed horizontally around the body * neck circumference: measurement below the larynx * body size * hip circumference: the widest part of the hip is measured.
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Change of Leg Circumference by Means of Measuring Tape
Change of leg circumference of the left and right leg by means of measuring tape at five specified measuring points: * lower leg cuffs * calf center * knee * 10 cm below the groin * hips (iliac crest).
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Movement Restriction Reduction According to LEFS Sum Score
Relevant reduction in movement restriction (stage I, II, or III; ≥ 9 points improvement in LEFS sum score)
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Number of Recurrent Interventions
Number of recurrent interventions
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Number of (Serious) Adverse Events
Number of (serious) adverse events
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Number of Therapy Interruptions Caused by Adverse Events
Discontinuation of therapy caused by adverse events
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)
Optional: Change of the Leg Volume by Means of Perometry
Optional: Change of the leg volume of the left and right leg (e.g. by means of perometry etc.)
Time frame: 12 months after completed liposuction treatment (intervention group) or after randomisation (control group) compared with the time of randomisation)