Effects of a single complete nodulectomy on nodule burden and microfilarial density two years later.

In hyperendemic onchocerciasis areas of the Liberian rain-forest it was possible to re-examine 210 microfilaria carriers two years after a first examination. At the first examination of these patients 143 had presented with palpable nodules, and 110 nodule carriers had been completely nodulectomized. Two-thirds of the operated patients had an average of one newly detected nodule two years later, and their microfilarial densities were slightly increased. In the remaining third of the operated patients no nodules could be palpated two years later, and the average microfilarial densities were slightly decreased. The 33 nodule carriers who had not undergone nodulectomy had, however, significantly higher numbers of nodules and microfilariae in the skin two years after the first examination. The possible benefit of a single, complete nodulectomy is discussed.