Possibilities of conservative treatment of patients with lymphedema of the extremities (literature review)

The literature review describes various methods for treating patients with lymphedema of the extremities. Statistics show an increase in the incidence and disability of patients with this pathology. However, the possibilities of therapeutic measures in lymphedema are far from perfect.The analysis of literature data showed that the basis of treatment for lymphedema of the extremities is comprehensive conservative therapy with the use of pathogenetically grounded physical, mechanical, and medical methods. In complex schemes of conservative treatment for lymphedema, physiotherapy methods occupy a prominent place. The most common technique among them is regular combined decongestive therapy. This method is recognized by leading experts as the main one in treating patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Commitment of patients to treatment and their social and psychological counseling are of great importance. The choice of the volume and method of surgical intervention requires a difficult and individual assessment of pathological changes developing throughout the course of the disease.Despite certain improvements in treatment methods, lower extremity lymphedema is still an unsolved issue. The experience of most specialists involved in lymphedema treatment demonstrates a reasonable balance between basic conservative and surgical treatment methods. Undoubtedly, results of evaluation of these methods will improve the choice of an optimal technique for treating patients with lymphedema of the extremities.

Diagnosis and management of secondary lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema, more common than its primary variant is essentially a clinical diagnosis. Evaluation should include measurement of limb circumference and volume and appropriate staging protocols to determine the severity of the condition. Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging and lymphoscintigraphy are invaluable in ruling out other causes of extremity swelling and for planning surgical treatment. Conservative measures such as combined decongestive therapy are of prime importance in reducing the limb volume and should be continued to maintain the results of surgical treatment. Pharmacotherapy does not have much role in lymphedema. Surgical options which were initially restricted to debulking procedures in chronic late stages are now gaining more relevance with the advent of physiological techniques to prevent further progression of the condition. Detailed counseling regarding the chronic nature of the disease and the need for regular follow-up along with rehabilitation programs will further improve the management of lymphedema.

Diagnosis and management of secondary lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema, more common than its primary variant is essentially a clinical diagnosis. Evaluation should include measurement of limb circumference and volume and appropriate staging protocols to determine the severity of the condition. Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging and lymphoscintigraphy are invaluable in ruling out other causes of extremity swelling and for planning surgical treatment. Conservative measures such as combined decongestive therapy are of prime importance in reducing the limb volume and should be continued to maintain the results of surgical treatment. Pharmacotherapy does not have much role in lymphedema. Surgical options which were initially restricted to debulking procedures in chronic late stages are now gaining more relevance with the advent of physiological techniques to prevent further progression of the condition. Detailed counseling regarding the chronic nature of the disease and the need for regular follow-up along with rehabilitation programs will further improve the management of lymphedema.

From lymph to fat: complete reduction of lymphoedema

Liposuction for late-stage lymphoedema remains a controversial technique. While it is clear that conservative therapies such as combined decongestive therapy (CDT) and controlled compression therapy (CCT) should be tried in the first instance, options for the treatment of late-stage lymphoedema that is not responding to treatment is not so clear. Liposuction has been used for many years to treat lipodystrophy. Some results have been far from optimal; however, improvements in technique, patient preparation and patient follow-up have led to a greater and a wider acceptance of liposuction as a treatment for lymphoedema. This paper outlines the benefits of using liposuction and presents the evidence to support its use.