[Erysipelas and elephantiasis of the scrotum. Surgical and drug therapy].

Elephantiasis is the outcome of persistent lymphedema. It is refractory to different therapy modalities. The social approachability of patients with this disease is impaired by severe functional and cosmetic disturbances. The causal relationship between etiology and recurrent disease is demonstrated by two cases. Treatment options are discussed. Radical surgery is decisive for primary success since chronic inflammation and chronic edema support each other. Metabolic equilibrium, disinfecting skin areas and antibiotic prophylaxis are urgent steps in the successful treatment of Erysipelas disease.