Secondary lymphedema is a recognized complication of axillary node dissection, especially in combination with radio-therapy. Patients with arm lymphedema experience functional impairment, psychosocial maladjustment and increased psychological morbidity, the condition being lifestyle-compromising. The assumption that untreated lymphedema is increasing in amount and grade with time has been verified by Casley-Smith. It was also found that the amount of arm lymphedema increased more rapidly than that of lower extremity lymphedema and the grades of secondary lymphedema increased more rapidly than primary ones. Accordingly, the purposes of treatment should aim to limit the increase of volume and to treat mild lymphedemas as soon as possible to avoid more serious sequelae and a chronic irreversible disorder.
Continuous compression using elastic sleeves is considered an important part of the treatment.
Compression raises the interstitial pressure, limits blood capillary filtration and increases lymph flow. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of CB or when combined with MLD on limb volume and the subjective feeling of heaviness, tension and pain in women with secondary arm lymphedema after previous treatment for breast cancer. They were all referred to the Lymphedema Unit, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. The bandages were changed every second day. Also, patients who had received any lymphedema treatment within six months prior to the study were excluded except for those who wore elastic sleeves not renewed during the six-month period.