Lymphology Section of the Polish Phlebological Society

Lymphology Section of the Polish Phlebological Society

Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I inform you that on 8 November, Professor Waldemar Olszewski, the doyen of Polish and world lymphology, passed away. Professor Olszewski was a pioneer of lymphatic vessel microsurgery and was the first to apply lymphovenous anastomoses in the treatment of lymphoedema. He introduced benzathine benzylpenicillin for the treatment and prevention of skin inflammation in patients with lymphoedema - a method currently used worldwide.

He conducted research on lymphatic system physiology - he discovered spontaneous contractile activity of lymphatic vessels and proved that lymph flow depends solely on rhythmic contractions of lymphatic vessels. He also worked on the pathophysiology of lymphoedema, including creating one of the first animal models of lymphoedema, and in recent years devoted many works to the hydromechanics of oedema fluid. Recently, he developed a new method for treating lymphoedema using subcutaneously implanted silicone drains.

Professor Olszewski was a member of many national and international scientific societies, collaborated with research centres worldwide, and actively worked scientifically until his last moments.

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Establishment of the PTF Lymphology Section

Dear Colleagues,

Following the establishment of the PTF Lymphology Section by resolution of the Board of the Polish Phlebological Society, the founding meeting of the Section took place during the June PTF Congress in Kraków. Professor Andrzej Szuba became the Chairman of the Lymphology Section.

We hope that the PTF Lymphology Section will become a forum for a wide range of medical professionals whose joint work will improve the situation of patients with lymphatic system diseases. We invite doctors, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, and physiotherapists to participate in the section.

Section Goals:

• Creating an information and educational platform promoting principles of proper care for patients with lymphatic system diseases
• Efforts to change the current legal situation regarding this patient group's access to appropriate medical care
• Planning and conducting training for people directly involved in diagnosing and treating patients with lymphoedema
• Standardisation of training for doctors, nurses and physiotherapists
• Improving National Health Fund (NFZ) funding of compression products and of the treatment of patients with lymphoedema
• Creating a national patient registry
• Active involvement in research programmes using national scientific centres and contacts with European and American institutions

We invite everyone interested to take part in the Section's current and future activities.