Treatment Strategies

Person wearing a pink arm sleeve using a computer mouse on a desk with a smartphone nearby.

Compression Garments

Compression garments are essential in lymphedema management. They apply consistent pressure to the affected area, promoting lymph fluid movement and reducing swelling. These garments come in various forms, including sleeves, stockings, and wraps, tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Proper fitting is crucial to ensure effectiveness and comfort.

Illustration showing phases of lymphedema treatment

Lymphatic Therapy

Lymphatic therapy, often referred to as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), is considered the gold standard for lymphedema treatment. CDT encompasses several components:

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A specialized massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to enhance fluid absorption and transport.

  • Compression Bandaging: Applying multilayered short-stretch bandages after MLD to increase tissue pressure, assisting in fluid absorption and transport.

  • Skin Care Education: Proper skin care is vital to prevent infections and maintain healthy tissue.

  • Exercise: Low-intensity, repetitive exercises performed with compression bandages to encourage muscle pumping, aiding lymph fluid movement.

  • Compression Garment Fitting and Training: Guidance on selecting and using compression garments to maintain limb volume reductions achieved through therapy.

  • Compression Pumps: Companies like Tactile Medical specialize in at-home pneumatic compression devices for lymphedema and chronic swelling.

Diagram showing lymphovenous bypass for lymphedema in a leg with lymphatic and venous vessels.

Surgical Treatment

In certain cases, surgical interventions may be considered when conservative treatments are insufficient:

  • Lymphatic Debulking Surgery: A procedure targeting and removing fat cells from affected areas, often using a technique similar to liposuction. This can reduce limb volume but is not a cure for lymphedema. Post-surgery, compression garments and components of Phase II CDT are employed to maintain the limb in its reduced state.

  • Excisional Surgeries: These procedures remove tissue and excess skin that hangs in folds on the limb or body region. They are done selectively and require continued self-care with compression garments and Phase II CDT techniques to maintain the limb volume reductions.

  • Vascularized Lymph Node Transplant: This procedure involves removing lymph nodes from one region of the body to replace lymph nodes that have been removed or are damaged in another region. It is being studied as a potential option to replace lymph nodes proactively and possibly prevent lymphedema onset.

  • Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis: A surgical procedure that connects lymphatic vessels to veins, allowing lymph fluid to bypass blocked areas and drain more effectively.

While these surgical options can be impactful, they are not cures for lymphedema. They aim to reduce tissue swelling and improve self-care for certain patients. Ongoing management with compression garments and therapy remains essential.

Please note: Lymphly is not responsible for the quality of care received from any identified providers.