Abstract
Complex decongestive therapy is the mainstay of lymphedema (LE) therapy. It consists of two phases: an intensive volume reduction phase, principally involving low-stretch bandages and manual lymph drainage (MLD), followed by compression garment use to maintain the reduction achieved. Adjunctive treatments include the use of a sequential gradient pump, LE-specific exercises, skin and nail care, as well as risk-reduction precautions. Herein the techniques are described and the evidence for their effectiveness is reviewed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 17-21 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Seminars in Plastic Surgery |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- complex decongestive therapy
- compression garment
- maintenance
- manual lymph drainage
- reduction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery