Treatment Options for Scleroderma

The Role of Surgery in Systemic Scleroderma

In rare cases, when the symptoms of scleroderma become very severe, surgery may be recommended under certain circumstances. These include:

• When blood flow is severely reduced causing poor circulation to an area
• Excessive build-up of calcium deposits under the skin
• If the walls of the stomach or intestine are damaged and need to be repaired
• Kidney transplantation may be necessary in the rare event that the kidneys have been severely damaged and can no longer function
• Heart or lung transplantation may be necessary in rare cases where extensive damage to the heart or lungs has developed.