title: Multidisciplinary lymphedema treatment program.
abstract: Lymphedema is an underrecognized and undertreated condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach in an individualized program that will address the special needs of each patient. In an ideal setting of an outpatient management program the team should be composed of a vascular surgeon, a dermatologist, a physiotherapist, a dietician, a psychologist, a social worker, and an office employee, working together in the assessment and management of all aspects of lymphedema. All treatment strategies and actions taken should ultimately focus on the improvement of the quality of life of patients suffering from lymphedema and on the prevention of lymphedema in high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
authors.forename: Maria-Christina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Papadopoulou
authors.forename: Ioanna
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tsiouri
authors.forename: Roumiana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salta-Stankova
authors.forename: Aikaterini
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drakou
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rousas
authors.forename: Aggeliki-Victoria
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Roussaki-Schulze
authors.forename: Athanasios D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Giannoukas
mesh_terms: D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010045:Outpatients; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*