Management of limb lymphedema.

Source

Unité de lymphologie, centre national de référence des maladies vasculaires rares, hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 15, rue Eugène-Millon, 75015 Paris, France.

Abstract

Keywords

• Lymphedema; 
• Treatment; 
• Physiotherapy; 
• Low stretch bandage; 
• Compression 

Lymphedema results from impaired lymphatic transport with increased limb volume. Cellulitis is the main complication, but psychological or functional discomfort may occur throughout the course of lymphedema. Lymphedema management is based on complete decongestive physiotherapy (multilayer low stretch bandage, manual lymph drainage, skin care, exercises). First phase of treatment leads to a reduction of lymphedema volume. The second phase stabilizes the volume and is based on elastic compression. Resection surgery is a useful tool in external genitalia lymphedema.

Elsevier