Introduction: Gouty tophi occur in approx. 50-60% of patients suffering from gout. Their occurrence is related to severity of disease and effectiveness of treatment. They develop more frequently in patients… Click to show full abstract
Introduction: Gouty tophi occur in approx. 50-60% of patients suffering from gout. Their occurrence is related to severity of disease and effectiveness of treatment. They develop more frequently in patients with long lasting and poorly controlled disease. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of gouty tophi of the upper and lower extremities. Materials and methods: The results of surgical treatment of gouty tophi in the extremities in 14 patients, 13 men and 1 woman, at a mean age of 51 years, are presented. Twelve patients had tophi localized in the upper extremities, whereas 3 had tophi in the lower limbs (1 patient had upper and lower extremity involved). The duration of disease to the operation was a mean of 8 years. Results: Seven patients received excision of a single tophus, and the remaining patients had 3-15 operations performed due to multiple tophi over a period from 3 months to 2 years. The treatment outcomes were assessed at a mean of 3 years (range 2-8) after the last operation in a form of phone interview. Conclusions: All patients declared satisfaction from the result of treatment. No case of complication or tumor recurrence was noted. The results confirm usefulness of surgical treatment in this form of gout.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.