Abstract 37: Evaluating Resident Perspectives on International Humanitarian Missions as Educationally and Professionally Beneficial

RESULTS: Four hundred patients were referred with a diagnosis of “lymphedema”; 70% were female and 30% were children. Lymphedema was confirmed in 73% of the cohort: primary (56%) and secondary (44%). Twenty-seven percent of patients labeled with “lymphedema” had another condition. Before referral, only 4% of the cohort underwent lymphoscintigraphy (the gold standard diagnostic test for lymphedema), whereas 31% of patients with lymphedema received nondiagnostic tests for lymphedema. Eight percent were given a diuretic which does not improve the condition. One-third of patients resided outside of our local referral area. The average time between onset of lymphedema and referral to our Lymphedema Program was 10 years (range, <1–62 years).