Lymphology Section of the Polish Phlebology Society

Lymphology Section of the Polish Phlebology Society

Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I inform you that on November 8th, Professor Waldemar Olszewski, the nestor 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 lymphatic edema. He introduced benzathine benzylpenicillin for the treatment and prevention of skin inflammations in patients with lymphatic edema - 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 lymphatic edema, including creating one of the first animal models of lymphatic edema, and in recent years devoted many works to the hydromechanics of edema fluid. Recently, he developed a new method for treating lymphatic edema using subcutaneously implanted silicone drains.

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

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Establishment of the PTF Lymphology Section

Dear Colleagues,

In connection with the establishment by resolution of the Polish Phlebology Society Board of the PTF Lymphology Section, during the June PTF Congress in Krakow, the founding meeting of the Section took place. Professor Andrzej Szuba became the Chairman of the Lymphology Section.

We hope that the PTF Lymphology Section will become a forum gathering a wide circle of medical professionals whose joint work will result in improving 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
• Actions aimed at changing the current legal status regarding this patient group's access to appropriate medical care
• Planning and conducting training for people directly involved in diagnosing and treating patients with lymphatic edema
• Standardization of training for doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists
• Improving NFZ financing of compression materials and treatment of patients with lymphatic edema
• Creating a national patient registry
• Active involvement in research programs using national scientific centers and contacts with European and American units

We invite all interested parties to collaborate within our current and future section activities.