Lower-Limb Lymphedema and Vulval Cancer: Feasibility of Prophylactic Compression Garments and Validation of Leg Volume Measurement

Abstract

The prophylactic use of stockings in this population is feasible, and further larger studies are justified to investigate its role in reducing the incidence of leg lymphedema. The design of these studies should take into account the observer-related variability in measuring leg volume or consider alternative methods.

Lymphedema Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach for Primary Prevention of Lower Limb Lymphedema After Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy for Vulvar Cancer

“…Changes in leg volume can only be reliably detected when the difference in a significant amount of fluid has been collected in the limb. 20 In addition, multiple methods in the assessment of lymphedema have been developed. In this study, we used the method that is recommended by the International Society of Lymphology.…”

Putting Evidence Into Practice: Cancer-Related Lymphedema

“…Complete decongestive therapy Carmeli & Bartoletti, 2011;Dayes et al, 2013;de Godoy & Godoy, 2013;Haghighat et al, 2010;Hwang, Jeong, et al, 2013;Liao et al, 2013;Randheer et al, 2011;Vignes et al, 2013Beck et al, 2012Lasinski et al, 2012;Leal et al, 2009;Ridner, Fu, et al, 2012;Rodrick et al, 2014 Compression bandaging Compression bandaging and compression garments Damstra & Partsch, 2009;Kasseroller & Brenner, 2010;King et al, 2012;Sawan et al, 2009 McNeely et al, 2011…”

“…The time, effort, and dexterity required for bandaging can become burdensome and is not practical or possible for some patients, necessitating the use of an alternative compression method, such as compression garments. Four RCTs were identified that evaluated the comparative effectiveness of compression bandaging and compression garments; arm volume reduction with different bandage pressures; and comparison of low-stretch compression dressings and alginate semirigid bandages (Damstra & Partsch, 2009;Kasseroller & Brenner, 2010;King, Deveaux, White, & Rayson, 2012;Sawan, Mugnai, Lopes Ade, Hughes, & Edmondson, 2009). One systematic review was identified (McNeely, Peddle, Yurick, Dayes, & Mackey, 2011).…”

“…Overall, no significant difference was found in terms of arm volume reduction between the two groups, but participants in the semirigid bandage group had significantly better comfort (p < 0.025). Sawan et al (2009) conducted a small RCT among vulva cancer survivors with lowerlimb lymphedema post-inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (n = 14) into supportive care with or without the use of graduated compression stockings for six months. Patients using graduated compression stockings had less increase in leg volume, better clinical performance, and fewer leg symptoms (p < 0.05).…”

The Effect of Groin Treatment Modality and Sequence on Clinically Significant Chronic Lymphedema in Patients With Vulvar Carcinoma

“…7 These patient-centered outcome measures should allow for more meaningful assessment of the impact of this condition and treatment outcomes. 6,8,9 Estimates of CL after treatment for vulvar cancer vary by the method of diagnosis and reporting, but range from 9% to 67%. 2,5,10Y15 Inguinal lymph node dissection and RT to the inguinal nodal bed are both individually well-established risk factors for the development of CL in vulvar cancer patients.…”