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Lymphedema treated by microwave and elastic dressing
1Department of Dermatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
International Journal of Dermatology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Early-stage lymphedema treatment combining microwave and elastic dressing shows promising results. This combined therapy effectively reduced swelling in most patients, with no recurrence in half of them.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Oncology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Lymphedema management presents challenges, as surgical interventions are contraindicated.
- Conservative treatments, including oral medications, often prove insufficient for effective lymphedema control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of combined microwave and elastic dressing therapy for lymphedema.
- To compare the effectiveness of the combined treatment against monotherapy with either microwave or elastic dressing.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 30 lymphedema patients treated with microwave and elastic dressing.
- A control group of 11 patients received either microwave or elastic dressing alone.
- Patient outcomes were assessed based on edema reduction and recurrence rates.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four out of 30 patients (80%) showed effective edema reduction with the combined therapy.
- Six patients experienced no significant edema decrease compared to daily physical activity.
- Early treatment initiation correlated with better therapeutic outcomes; no recurrence was observed in 50% of treated patients.
Conclusions:
- Combined microwave and elastic dressing therapy is a satisfactory treatment for lymphedema.
- The treatment demonstrates superior efficacy when administered in the early stages of the disease.
- This approach offers a viable non-surgical option for managing lymphedema effectively.