Evaluation of the performance of a new compression system in patients with lymphoedema

Abstract

In the acute phase of lymphoedema, patients require comprehensive decongestive therapy (CDT), which includes skin care, an exercise regimen, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and regular bandaging. This study was established to determine the effectiveness of a new system of bandage therapy, the 3M™ Coban™ 2 compression system. In total, 24 patients were entered into the study (12 from UK and 12 from Canada) with a variety of clinical presentations. The mean age of the groups was 57·4 years, which varied from 26 to 79 years. Body mass index (BMI) averaged 38·9 kg/m(2), with a range from 22·7 to 67·5 kg/m(2). Of the total, eight were women with arm lymphoedema, the remainder being men and women with lymphoedema of the lower limb. All were considered to be in need of CDT. After 19 days, the reduction of limb volume was measured, which indicated a mean limb volume reduction of 1210 ml (95% confidence interval, CI, 780-1641, P < 0·001). Leg affected patients experienced greater reduction than arm affected patients (1596 ml versus 438 ml), although both groups experienced significant reduction in limb volumes (both P < 0·001). Mean percentage changes in limb volume were 14·9% and 16·1% for legs and arms, respectively. The Measure Your Medical Outcome Profile questionnaire indicated significant improvement in symptoms considered important by the patient (P < 0·0001), which also led to improvements in skin quality by reducing skin thickness and firmness. The Coban 2 compression system provides good oedema reduction in both arms and legs to reduce limb volume and improvements in symptoms associated with lymphoedema.

Comparison of the effectiveness of complex decongestive therapy and compression bandaging as a method of treatment of lymphedema in the elderly

“…The volume of individual segments was calculated using the following formula: where H is the distance between the individual measuring points, ie, the height of the segment, Ct is the circumference at the top of the segment, and Cb is the circumference at the bottom of the segment. 14 The volume of the entire measured limb was calculated by adding the volumes of all the segments. 14 – 16 Circumferences were given in cm, and volumes in cm 3 .…”

“… 14 The volume of the entire measured limb was calculated by adding the volumes of all the segments. 14 – 16 Circumferences were given in cm, and volumes in cm 3 . BMI, average and maximum limb circumference, and limb volume were analyzed before and after (last day) the treatment.…”

Lymphedema diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up from the view point of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists

“…Previous studies have shown good edema reduction in both arms and legs and improvements in symptoms associated with lymphedema. [45,46] lymphedema exercises Physical activity and exercises enhance physical and emotional well-being, increase fitness and vitality and improve health-related QoL outcomes. They are considered another major component of CDT.…”

Compression therapy in obese patients

“…Die Entstauungsphase sollte, wenn möglich, ambulant durchgeführt werden (25). Bewährt haben sich dafür Mehrkomponenten-Kompressionssysteme aus Unterpolsterung und adhäsiven Kurzzugbinden (7,16,17). Diese Kompressionsbandagierungen sollten in Analogie zur komplexen physikalischen Entstauung (KPE) in der Lymphödemtherapie über je 24 h getragen werden und mit einer rückfettenden Hautpflege, Bewegung in der Kompression und manueller Lymphdrainage kombiniert werden (5).…”