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COMPRESSIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA

SANDRA MARINOVIĆ KULIŠIĆ ; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatovenereology, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Lymphedema is a condition of extremity swelling due to lymphatic hypoplasia (primary) or obstruction or injury of lymphatic vessels (secondary). Symptoms and signs are irm, hard and ibrous edema of one or more extremities. Compressive therapy is the gold standard indicated in all studies of lymphedema. In compressive therapy, long stretch and short stretch bandages and compression stockings are used. With persistent treatment and application of preventive measures, the symptoms can be alleviated and slowed down, while disease progression can be completely halted. In rare cases, long-standing cases of lymphedema lead to lymphangiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves syndrome), usually in patients undergoing mastectomy and in patients with ilariasis.

Keywords

lymphedema; compression therapy; long stretch bandages; short stretch bandages

Hrčak ID:

148103

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148103

Publication date:

8.11.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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