State of art in lymphedema management: part 1
Byong-Boong LEE Professor of Surgery & Director, Center for Lymphedema and Vascular Malformation, George Washington University School of Medicine, USA Abstract Chronic lymphedema can be managed effectively using a sequenced and targeted treatment program based on decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) with compression therapy and surgery (mostly as an adjunct to DLT). In the maintenance phase, DLT is carried out using the proper combination of compression garments, meticulous personal hygiene and skin care, self-massage based on the principle of manual lymphatic drainage (if applicable), and exercises and activities to promote lymph transport. Pneumatic compression devices/therapy can be applied at home, if…