title: Effects of treatment with an elastic sleeve and intermittent pneumatic compression in post-mastectomy patients with lymphoedema of the arm.
abstract: In an attempt to reduce oedema of the arm after mastectomy, patients were provided with an elastic sleeve which was worn for a period of between 1 week and up to 6 months. A statistically significant mean relative decrease of 17% in the volume of oedema was achieved. Subsequent treatment by intermittent pneumatic compression for 10 days produced a further significant mean relative decrease of 18%. When the sleeve was worn for 6 months after this treatment there was no significant increase in arm volume--that is, no relapse.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D003020:Clothing; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011312:Pressure