Manual Lymph Drainage for Post-COVID-19 Related Cough, Breathlessness, and Fatigue; Two Case Reports.

BACKGROUND: Persistent symptoms after SARS CoV-2 infection such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis have been termed long COVID and present a significant emerging public health problem. Current approaches include rehabilitation and symptom management involving multiple health disciplines and as yet there are no pharmaceutical approaches other than routine symptom management. Manual lymph drainage (MLD) has been used to support recovery during pulmonary rehabilitation and reduce chronic inflammation including symptoms associated with long COVID. CASE DESCRIPTION AND OUTCOMES: Two adult females who had reported long-COVID symptoms more than 10 weeks after the resolution of the acute infection were treated with MLD by Remedial Therapists trained in the Dr Vodder method of MLD. Respiratory function (Peak Flow Meter) and blood oxygen levels (Oximeter) were recorded before and after a one-minute sit-to-stand test prior to the treatment. The Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire, the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale, and Likert scales were used to collect client-reported outcomes. Six 45-min treatments were applied weekly, with a follow-up review and treatment at three months. In both cases, all outcomes improved after the third treatment with further improvement noted at three months. CONCLUSIONS: MLD may offer a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical approach to the resolution of long-COVID symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, and fatigue.

Inpatient Decongestive Therapy for Lymphedema in Acute Postsurgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Abstract Introduction Head and neck lymphedema is an omnipresent morbidity related to head and neck cancer therapies. Studies on therapy for these patients in the acute postsurgical population have not been published to date. Objective To assess changes in the measurements of lymphedema in surgical head and neck cancer patients during the hospital stay with implementation of modified decongestive therapy (MDT). Methods Patients aged > 18 years undergoing neck dissection with or without primary-site resection or laryngectomy between 2016 and 2019 were included. Facial measurements were obtained prior to beginning MDT and again prior to discharge. A total facial composite measurement was calculated and used to assess change over time. Rates ≥ 2% of change were considered significant. Results A total of 38 patients were included (subsites: larynx = 27; thyroid =4; oral cavity = 3; and neck = 4). The mean number of days between surgery and the start of lymphedema therapy was 3.0 days. The mean number of days between measurements was 5.2 days. Reduction in the total composite score was observed in 37 (97%) patients, and 35 (92%) patients had a total composite reduction score > 2%. Tumor subsite and surgery type did not portend toward greater percent change, except for those patients treated with total laryngectomy, regional flap reconstruction, and neck dissection (p = 0.02). Conclusion Acute postsurgical inpatient MDT was associated with reduced total composite measurements in patients after head and neck surgery. As the first published study on lymphedema therapy in this acute postsurgical period, further prospective case-control studies are warranted to explore further benefits of acute therapy.

Inpatient Decongestive Therapy for Lymphedema in Acute Postsurgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Introduction Head and neck lymphedema is an omnipresent morbidity related to head and neck cancer therapies. Studies on therapy for these patients in the acute postsurgical population have not been published to date. Objective To assess changes in the measurements of lymphedema in surgical head and neck cancer patients during the hospital stay with implementation of modified decongestive therapy (MDT). Methods Patients aged > 18 years undergoing neck dissection with or without primary-site resection or laryngectomy between 2016 and 2019 were included. Facial measurements were obtained prior to beginning MDT and again prior to discharge. A total facial composite measurement was calculated and used to assess change over time. Rates ≥ 2% of change were considered significant. Results A total of 38 patients were included (subsites: larynx = 27; thyroid = 4; oral cavity = 3; and neck = 4). The mean number of days between surgery and the start of lymphedema therapy was 3.0 days. The mean number of days between measurements was 5.2 days. Reduction in the total composite score was observed in 37 (97%) patients, and 35 (92%) patients had a total composite reduction score > 2%. Tumor subsite and surgery type did not portend toward greater percent change, except for those patients treated with total laryngectomy, regional flap reconstruction, and neck dissection ( p = 0.02). Conclusion Acute postsurgical inpatient MDT was associated with reduced total composite measurements in patients after head and neck surgery. As the first published study on lymphedema therapy in this acute postsurgical period, further prospective case-control studies are warranted to explore further benefits of acute therapy.

The Effect of Manual Lymph Drainage and Compression Bandaging for Stage 2 Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim: To explore the effect of manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression bandaging (CB), or combined decongestive therapy (CDT), including MLD and CB, on stage 2 breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods: Sixty women with stage 2 BCRL were enrolled. They were randomly divided into the MLD group, the CB group or the CDT group. Each group, respectively, received MLD alone, CB alone, or CDT composed of MLD and CB, for 2 weeks. The volume and the local tissue water (LTW) of affected arms were measured before and after treatment. Arm circumferences were measured at 4 cm interval starting from the wrist to the shoulder with a tape measure. LTW was detected using the (tissue dielectric constant, TDC) method and was expressed as TDC value in two sites on the ventral midpoint of upper arm and forearm. Results: The volume of affected arms in each group after 2-weeks' treatment was lower than their baseline and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in volume change among three groups. The TDC value of the upper arm and forearm in the group CB and the group CDT decreased distinctly compared with baseline (p < 0.05). But the TDC value of the upper arm and forearm after MLD did not change (p > 0.05). Compared with the group MLD and the group CDT, the reduction of the TDC value in the group CB was more significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: MLD or CB alone could effectively reduce the volume of affected arms for patients with stage 2 BCRL, and CB also could reduce the LTW more significantly. CDT did not seem to show an extra advantage. Therefore, CB may be the first choice for stage 2 BCRL. But for patients who are unwilling or intolerant to CB, MLD can be selected.

The Effectiveness of Fluoroscopy-Guided Manual Lymph Drainage as Part of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy on the Superficial Lymphatic Architecture in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymph drainage (MLD), as part of decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), on the superficial lymphatic architecture in patients with chronic mild to moderate breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL). This trial was a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial involving 194 participants with BCRL. Participants were randomised into (1) DLT with fluoroscopy-guided MLD (intervention group), (2) DLT with traditional MLD (control group), or (3) DLT with placebo MLD (placebo group). Superficial lymphatic architecture was evaluated as a secondary outcome, visualised by ICG lymphofluoroscopy at the baseline (B0), post-intensive (P), and post-maintenance phases (P6). Variables were (1) number of efferent superficial lymphatic vessels leaving the dermal backflow region, (2) total dermal backflow score, and (3) number of superficial lymph nodes. The traditional MLD group showed a significant decrease in the number of efferent superficial lymphatic vessels at P (p = 0.026), and of the total dermal backflow score at P6 (p = 0.042). The fluoroscopy-guided MLD and placebo group showed significant decreases in the total dermal backflow score at P (p < 0.001 and p = 0.044, respectively) and at P6 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively); the placebo MLD group showed a significant decrease in the total number of lymph nodes at P (p = 0.008). However, there were no significant between-group differences for the changes in these variables. In conclusion, based on lymphatic architecture outcomes, the added value of MLD, in addition to the other parts of DLT, could not be demonstrated in patients with chronic mild to moderate BCRL.

Craniocervical Manual Lymphatic Drainage Increases the Efficiency of Atorvastatin-Based Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

The objective of this study is to explore whether craniocervical manual lymphatic drainage (cMLD) can promote hematoma absorption and increase the efficiency of atorvastatin-based conservative treatment in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) patients. All CSDH patients treated with atorvastatin-based therapy between October 2020 and February 2022 in our department were retrospectively screened for enrollment. The patients were divided into the control and cMLD groups according to whether cMLD was performed. Head CT or MR images in both groups were obtained before the treatment and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the treatment. MR images of the deep cervical lymphatic nodes (dCLNs) in 23 patients were obtained in the cMLD group before and approximately 2 weeks after treatment. The volumes of the dCLNs and hematoma were calculated. The primary outcomes are the differences in hematoma volume reduction after 4 weeks of treatment. The secondary outcomes were (1) the differences in hematoma volume reduction between the patients in these two groups in the 2nd week, (2) the dCLN volume change in the cMLD group before and after 2 weeks of treatment, and (3) the percentage of patients who transitioned to surgery because of failure to the conservative treatment. A total of 106 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study for analysis; 54 patients received atorvastatin-based treatment (control group), and 52 were treated with both atorvastatin-based treatment and cMLD (cMLD group). At baseline, the mean hematoma volume was 76.53 ± 42.97 ml in the control group and 88.57 ± 49.01 ml in the cMLD group (p = 0.181). In the 4th week, the absolute number of hematoma reductions (20.79 ± 34.73 ml vs. 37.28 ± 28.24 ml, p = 0.009) and percentage of hematoma reductions (22.58% ± 60.01% vs. 46.43% ± 30.12%, p = 0.012) in the cMLD group were greater than those in the control group. After 2 weeks of treatment, the absolute number of hematoma reductions showed no difference in the two groups, while the percentage of hematoma reduction was higher in the cMLD group (18.18% ± 24.61% vs. 2.08% ± 25.72%, p = 0.001). One patient in cMLD and 8 patients in the control group were transitioned to receive surgical treatment. The dCLN volumes in 23 experimental patients increased significantly after 2 weeks of treatment in the cMLD group (p = 0.032). There were no severe side effects that needed to be reported. Combined with atorvastatin-based therapy, cMLD can promote hematoma absorption and decrease the surgery rate, which provides a new therapeutic strategy for CSDH.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this systematic review was to meta-analyze the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) patients. METHODS: The following databases: the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched. All English publications before April 2021 have been retrieved without any restrictions of countries, time, or article type. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of MLD versus control group without MLD of women with BCRL. The outcomes were (1) the incidence of lymphedema, (2) volumetric changes of lymphedema, (3) pain, (4) quality of life. Review Manager 5.3 was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: In total, 11 RCTs involving 1564 patients were included, in which 10 trials were deemed viable for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Due to the effects of MLD for BCRL, statistically significant improvements were found on the incidence of lymphedema (RR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.37, 0.93], P =.02) and pain intensity (SMD = -0.72, 95% CI [-1.34, -0.09], P = .02). Besides, the meta-analysis carried out implied that the effects that MLD had on volumetric changes of lymphedema and quality of life, were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The current evidence based on the RCTs shows that pain of BCRL patients undergoing MLD is significantly improved, while our findings do not support the use of MLD in improving volumetric of lymphedema and quality of life. Note that the effect of MLD for preventing BCRL is worthy of discussion.

Manual lymphatic drainage with or without fluoroscopy guidance did not substantially improve the effect of decongestive lymphatic therapy in people with breast cancer-related lymphoedema (EFforT-BCRL trial): a multicentre randomised trial.

QUESTIONS: When added to decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), what is the effect of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) versus traditional MLD or placebo MLD for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL)? DESIGN: Multicentre, three-arm, randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinding of assessors and participants. PARTICIPANTS: At five hospitals in Belgium, 194 participants with unilateral chronic BCRL were recruited. INTERVENTION: All participants received standard DLT (education, skin care, compression therapy and exercises). Participants were randomised to also receive fluoroscopy-guided MLD (n = 65), traditional MLD (n = 64) or placebo MLD (n = 65). Participants received 14 sessions of physiotherapy during the 3-week intensive phase and 17 sessions during the 6-month maintenance phase. Participants performed self-management on the other days. OUTCOME MEASURES: All outcomes were measured: at baseline; after the intensive phase; after 1, 3 and 6 months of maintenance phase; and after 6 months of follow-up. The primary outcomes were reduction in excess volume of the arm/hand and accumulation of excess volume at the shoulder/trunk, with the end of the intensive phase as the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included daily functioning, quality of life, erysipelas and satisfaction. RESULTS: Excess lymphoedema volume decreased after 3 weeks of intensive treatment in each group: 5.3 percentage points of percent excessive volume (representing a relative reduction of 23.3%) in the fluoroscopy-guided MLD group, 5.2% (relative reduction 20.9%) in the traditional MLD group and 5.4% (relative reduction 24.8%) in the placebo MLD group. The effect of fluoroscopy-guided MLD was very similar to traditional MLD (between-group difference 0.0 percentage points, 95% CI -2.0 to 2.1) and placebo MLD (-0.2 percentage points, 95% CI -2.1 to 1.8). Fluid accumulated at the shoulder/trunk in all groups. The average accumulation with fluoroscopy-guided MLD was negligibly less than with traditional MLD (-3.6 percentage points, 95% CI -6.4 to -0.8) and placebo MLD (-2.4 percentage points, 95% CI -5.2 to 0.4). The secondary outcomes also showed no clinically important between-group differences. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic BCRL, MLD did not provide clinically important additional benefit when added to other components of DLT. REGISTRATION: NCT02609724.

Feasibility and initial efficacy of a multimodal swelling intervention after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective pilot study with historical controls.

BACKGROUND: Swelling after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often profound and persistent, increasing risks of DVT, infection, and wound dehiscence, and impairing rehabilitation. We investigated the feasibility and initial efficacy of a multimodal swelling control intervention (MSI), comprised of an inelastic adjustable compression garment (CG), manual lymph drainage (MLD) massage, and home exercise program (HEP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to a control group. METHODS: Sixteen individuals (mean age 64.7 ± 7.1y) performed MSI for three weeks after TKA, through day 21 (D21). Outcome measures included patient satisfaction, safety, patient adherence, and swelling measured by Single Frequency Bioimpedance Assessment (SF-BIA). All outcomes were measured preoperatively and at postoperative D4, D7, D14, D21 and, three weeks after discontinuing MSI, on D42. Efficacy of MSI was calculated with Hedge's g effect size estimates using the SF-BIA ratios for MSI versus CONTROL (N = 56; mean age 64.3 ± 9.3y) at key post operative time points. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction was 93% with no adverse events. Adherence to CG, MLD, and HEP were 85%, 99%, and 97% respectively. Peak swelling reduction with MSI was at D21 (Hedges' g = 1.60 at D21 (95% CI 0.99, 2.21)). Minimal change in swelling was observed three weeks after cessation of MSI on D42. CONCLUSIONS: The self-administered MSI program is feasible and demonstrated strong initial efficacy to control swelling after TKA. Minimal rebound swelling was observed once MSI was withdrawn at D21. Future studies should examine the efficacy of inelastic adjustable compression in a randomized controlled trial.

Possibility of new lymphatic pathway creation through neo-lymphangiogenesis induced by subdermal dissection.

Surgical intervention and subsequent wound healing process are known to induce neo-lymphangiogenesis, but few studies have been reported to utilize this mechanism for lymphedema treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility of subdermal dissection for neo-lymphangiogenesis induction (SDN) to treat lower extremity lymphedema (LEL). Medical records of secondary LEL patients who had undergone ICG lymphography and SDN procedure were reviewed. SDN was performed by dissecting fat tissues just below the dermis from the most proximal area showing dermal backflow through abdominal-toaxillary lymphatic pathways. Perioperative lymphedematous conditions were evaluated with lymphedema quality of life score (LeQOLiS) and LEL index. Seventeen female patients were included. SDN could be performed in 10 minutes on average without postoperative complication. Postoperative ICG lymphography showed new lymphatic pathways in 6 (35.3%) cases. Postoperative LeQOLiS ranged from 9 to 66, which was statistically lower than preoperative LeQOLiS (32.9 ± 19.2 vs. 36.6 ± 19.3, p = 0.048), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between pre- and post-operative LEL index (275.2 ± 23.3 vs. 270.5 ± 20.8, P = 0.073). Subdermal dissection, although its probability is not high, has a potential to induce neo-lymphangiogenesis. Further studies are required to improve and demonstrate efficacy of the procedure for new lymphatic pathway creation.

The Effects of Clinical and Home-based Physiotherapy Programs in Secondary Head and Neck Lymphedema.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effects of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) and home programs on external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, fibrosis, and three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning and volume evaluation in head and neck lymphedema. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled study. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were randomly divided into three groups: CDP (n:7), home program (n:7), and control (n:7). Assessment methods were applied at baseline and 4 weeks later for all groups. MD. Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema Protocol was implemented to evaluate head and neck external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, and fibrosis. A 3D scanner and a software were used to determine and calculate the volume of the head and neck region via 3D surface scanning. Head and neck external lymphedema and fibrosis assessment criteria were performed to evaluate visible soft tissue edema and the degree of stiffness. RESULTS: The severity and volume of lymphedema decreased in the CDP program group (P < .05). Besides, external lymphedema and fibrosis at submental region were decreased in both CDP program and home program groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: While the benefits of home program are limited, a CDP program may be more effective in the management of lymphedema and fibrosis in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The clinical trial registration number: NCT04286698, date: 02/25/2020, retrospectively registered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1550-E1557, 2021.

The Correlation Between Fluid Distribution and Swelling or Subjective Symptoms of the Trunk in Lymphedema Patients: A Preliminary Observational Study.

Background: Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is one of the common treatments for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Although the primary goal of MLD is to drain the excessive fluid accumulated in the affected upper limb and trunk to an area of the body that drains usually, the use of MLD is decided based on swelling and subjective symptoms, without assessing whether there is fluid accumulated in the affected region. The purpose of this study was to examine truncal fluid distribution in a sample of BCRL patients and investigate any correlation between such fluid distribution and swelling or subjective symptoms. Methods and Results: An observational study was conducted with 13 women who had unilateral, upper extremity BCRL. Fluid distribution was evaluated by using two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences: half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo and three-dimensional double-echo steady-state. The presence of swelling was determined by lymphedema therapists, and subjective symptoms were measured by using a visual analog scale. On MRI, no participants had any free water signals in the trunk. However, seven had swelling and all 13 had some kind of subjective symptoms on the affected side of their trunk. Conclusions: These results suggest that swelling and subjective symptoms do not correlate with the presence of truncal fluid. For such cases, a different approach than MLD may be needed to address truncal swelling and related subjective symptoms. Checking for the presence of fluid in the truncal region may help MLD be used more appropriately.

Effect of manual lymph drainage for up to 10 days after total knee arthroplasty: Arandomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on pain in Japanese patients up to 10 days after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial performed at a University Medical Center. Patients who underwent unilateral TKA and received once daily MLD for 20 minutes prior to standard physical therapy up to 10 days after TKA were investigated. Pain at rest, knee extension muscle contraction, and maximum load were assessed using the visual analog scale (mm) before surgery, after drain removal, and after the fifth MLD. As secondary outcomes, the circumference, range of motion, muscle strength, walking speed, and walking rate were evaluated. RESULT: Forty-one patients aged 45-85 participated in this study, 21 of whom were assigned to the intervention (MLD group) and 20 who were not (control group). Ten days after TKA, no significant difference was evident between the MLD and control groups for resting pain [4.5 mm (1.6-10.8) vs 7.0 mm (1.8-25.5), respectively, p=0.17], pain during knee extension muscle contraction [12.3 mm (4.5-24.8) vs 20.8 mm (6.4-31.8), p=0.41], and pain at maximum load [13.0 mm (8.3-39.8) vs 16.0 mm (4.6-32.5), p=0.73]. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study shows that MLD up to 10 days after TKA does not affect pain.

Comparisons between Manual Lymph Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Electrical Stimulation on Functional Constipation Outcomes: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports abdominal massage (AM) or electrical stimulation (ES) as effective in treating functional constipation (FC). Manual lymph drainage (MLD) may also be beneficial, however, it was not previously investigated or compared to ES and AM. METHODS: Sixteen college-aged males and 36 females were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to MLD, AM or ES. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures for total power (TP), high frequency (HF), low frequency and LF/HF ratio assessed ANS outcomes. state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and stress response inventory (SRI) assessed psychological factors and bowel movement frequency (BMF) and duration (BMD) were recorded daily. RESULTS: MLD significantly improved all ANS measures (p≤0.01); AM significantly improved LF, HF and LF/HF ratios (p = 0.04); and ES significantly improved LF (p = 0.1). STAI measures improved, but not significantly in all groups. SRI improved significantly from MLD (p < 0.01), AM (p = 0.04) and ES (p < 0.01), but changes were not significant between groups. BMD improved significantly in all groups (p≤ 0.02). BMF improved significantly only following MLD and AM (p < 0.1), but differences between groups were not significant (p = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: MLD significantly reduced FC symptoms and MLD had greater improvements than AM or ES.

Treatment for lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the first systematic review evaluating all established treatment modalities of head and neck lymphedema resulting from head and neck cancer therapy. Since craniofacial lymphedema treatment represents unique challenges not addressed by extremity lymphedema therapies, a systematic review and evaluation of treatment modalities specific to this area is needed to guide clinical management and further research. DATA SOURCES: Four electronic databases were searches from inception to September 2018. These included Scopus (Embase), PubMed (Medline), Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Databases. REVIEW METHODS: A search string was developed, and all databases queried for keywords on three subjects: head and neck cancer, lymphedema, and therapy. Results were uploaded to an EndNote database where relevant items were identified by hand-searching all titles and abstracts. Subsequently results were combined, duplicates removed, and full papers screened according to eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Of a total 492 search results, twenty-six items met eligibility criteria for this review. These included fourteen cohort studies, seven case reports, two randomized controlled trials, two systematic reviews, and one narrative review totaling 1018 study subjects. The manual lymph drainage group had the largest number of studies and participants, with fewer studies investigating selenium, liposuction, and lymphaticovenular anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the efficacy of all types of lymphedema therapy is limited by paucity of large randomized controlled trials. While manual lymph drainage is best studied, liposuction and surgical treatments have also been effective in a small number of patients.

Nonoperative Treatment of Lymphedema.

Complex decongestive therapy is the mainstay of lymphedema (LE) therapy. It consists of two phases: an intensive volume reduction phase, principally involving low-stretch bandages and manual lymph drainage (MLD), followed by compression garment use to maintain the reduction achieved. Adjunctive treatments include the use of a sequential gradient pump, LE-specific exercises, skin and nail care, as well as risk-reduction precautions. Herein the techniques are described and the evidence for their effectiveness is reviewed.

[Survey on the diagnostics and therapy of patients with lymphedema and lipedema]. / Befragung zur Diagnostik und Therapie bei Patienten mit Lymphödem und Lipödem.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of guideline recommendations for the diagnosis and therapy of lipedema and lymphedema seems to be problematic in daily routine. Systematic data for Germany are missing. The aim of the study was data collection regarding diagnosis and therapy of lymphologic diseases in an outpatient setting. METHODS: Monocentric, prospective survey of patients from a lymphologic outpatient clinic using a standardized questionnaire focusing on diagnostics and therapy at the initial diagnosis. RESULTS: In all, 72 patients (83.3% women) with lymphedema (n = 26), lipedema (n = 14) or lipolymphedema (n = 32) were included; 44.4% had symptoms more than 5 years before the initial diagnosis. Main symptoms were swelling of the leg and foot (especially lymphedema) and feeling of heaviness (especially lipedema). In 75%, the initial diagnosis was made by a medical specialist. The basic diagnostics recommended by the guidelines-medical history (73.6%) and clinical examination (84.7%)-were done in most of the patients. After the initial diagnosis, 46% of the patients had decongestion therapy of different intensity and quality. A total of 58.3% of the patients were directly provided a prescription for a medical stocking. Only a few patients received instructions for breathing exercises (22.2%), self-performed lymphatic drainage (6.9%) or muscle exercises (8.3%). DISCUSSION: There are still deficits in the diagnosis and especially in the therapy of patients with lymphologic diseases in an outpatient setting. Further education and training are necessary for physicians, physiotherapists, medical supply businesses, and patients.

Usability of advanced pneumatic compression to treat cancer-related head and neck lymphedema: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: This functional usability study assessed ease of use, fit, comfort, and potential clinical benefits of advanced pneumatic compression treatment of cancer-related head and neck lymphedema. METHODS: Patient-reported comfort and other treatment aspects were evaluated and multiple face and neck measurements were obtained on 44 patients with head and neck lymphedema before and after 1 treatment session to assess usability and treatment-related lymphedema changes. RESULTS: A majority of the patients (82%) reported the treatment was comfortable; most patients (61%) reported feeling better after treatment, and 93% reported that they would be likely to use this therapy at home. One treatment produced overall small but highly statistically significant reductions in composite metrics (mean ± SD) of the face (82.5 ± 4.3 cm vs 80.9 ± 4.1 cm; P < .001) and neck (120.4 ± 12.2 cm vs 119.2 ± 12.1 cm; P < .001) with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: Results found the treatment to be safe, easy to use, and well tolerated while demonstrating edema reduction after a single initial treatment.

Adjunctive role of manual lymph drainage in the healing of venous ulcers: A comparative pilot study.

Compression therapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of venous leg ulcers and clinical observations include lymph stasis as contributing to the maintenance of chronic wounds. This finding raises the question whether further improvement in lymph circulation with manual lymph drainage (MLD) as a part of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) can improve ulcer healing. We examined whether CDP improves healing of venous leg ulcers and compared the efficacy of CDP with that of multilayered compression with short-stretch bandages. Eight patients (mean age: 64.8 years, mean ulcer area: 23.07 cm2, duration of ulcers: 25.37 months) were treated with a 5-day-course of CDP and 9 patients (mean age: 70.77 years, mean ulcer area: 21.47 cm2, duration of ulcers: 15.8 months) were included in a 10-day-course of CDP. Control goup consisted of 9 patients (mean age: 56.33 years, mean ulcer area: 13.87 cm2, duration of ulcers: 6.11 months) receiving multilayered compression. Wound surface measurement was carried out on days 5 and 10 and ulcer area reduction rate was calculated as area (initial)-area (final)/time unit. There was no statistical difference between the 5-daycourse of CDP and compression of the same duration regarding ulcer healing (t=-1.62, df=15, p= 0.125). A 10-day-course of CDP significantly increased ulcer healing compared to compression of the same duration (t=-2.42, df=16, p= 0.039). Our preliminary results suggest that MLD as a part of CDP supports healing of venous leg ulcers.

Effects of manual lymph drainage for abdomen on the brain activity of subjects with psychological stress.

[Purpose] The present study investigated the effects of manual lymph drainage for abdomen on electroencephalography in subjects with psychological stress. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight subjects were randomly allocated to undergo a 20-min session of either manual lymph drainage or abdominal massage on a bed. [Results] Analysis of electroencephalograms from the manual lymph drainage group showed a significant increase in relaxation, manifested as an increase in average absolute, relative alpha activity and a decrease in relative gamma activity. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that the application of manual lymph drainage from the abdomen provides acute neural effects that increase relaxation in subjects with psychological stress.