Classical, 1-stage excisional procedure for surgical treatment of lymphedema of leg; uses radical excision of subcutaneous tissue and skin from ankle to knee. Past results were usu. poor, and procedure is rarely performed today. First performed in 1912 for massive lymphedema of the leg caused by filiariasis. Muscle was covered by split skin graft with significant complications of ulcers, eczema, infection and hypertrophic scarring. When performed today, acceptable results are achieved with full thickness skin grafts used from the excised tissue.