[Management of lymphedema: experience of the Cognacq-Jay Hospital]. / Prise en charge des lymphoedèmes: l'expérience de l'hôpital Cognacq-Jay.

Treatment of lymphedema includes practical advices, manual lymph drainage, bandaging, self-bandaging, elastic compression garment, skin care and physical exercises. Weight loss may be useful if obesity. Surgery is indicated in genital lymphedema more than in limb lymphedema. In 2001, in Lymphology Unit, 248 women were treated for secondary upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer. Excess of volume of lymphedema was reduced by 31.3% after a mean time of 2.1 weeks. For lower limb lymphedema (primary or secondary), 136 patients were treated with a mean reduction of excess of lymphedema by 29.8% after a mean time of 2.2 weeks. After this treatment, long term follow-up is necessary to maintain results and the motivation of the patient.