Manual lymphatic drainage for chronic post-mastectomy lymphoedema treatment.
BACKGROUND
The authors evaluated the chronic post-mastectomy lymphoedematous tissue and the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (Leduc method) with and without compressive bandage.


METHODS
The arms were measured before and after physical therapy and the results were expressed as a percentage decrease. Physical therapy was performed first by manual lymphatic drainage only and after by manual lymphatic drainage plus compressive bandage.


RESULTS
We observed that during manual lymphatic drainage plus compressive bandage the total percentage decrease of whole limb was the highest: 41.1 +/- 12.2% versus 30.4 +/- 15.8% (p < 0.05). Clinical and physiopathological implication are discussed.
Fiaschi
E
E
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Unit S. Chiara Hospital, Pisa University, Italy.
Francesconi
G
G
Fiumicelli
S
S
Nicolini
A
A
Camici
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D001458:Bandages; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure