[Elephantiasis of the vulva and the legs. Medical and surgical treatment of a case of lymphatic filariasis].

After reviewing the main causes of elephantiasis in tropical countries, the results of combined medical and surgical treatment of a case of lymphatic filariasis are reported. Medical treatment consists of a cycle of high-dose mebendazole (40 mg/kg/die) and subsequent cycles of diethylcarbamazine at a habitual dose (6 mg/kg/die). In the interval, the elephantiasic right lip was removed surgically. The overall clinical results was good. Noteworthy was an unwanted, leukopenising side-effect of high-dose mebendazole.