[Compression in lymphedema]

The author discusses the indications and contraindication of compression. The study of auto-immune complexes in the circulating blood has shown a significant increase in lymphedema patients with erysipeloid inflammations and a definite increase, but less marked, in lymphedema patients without a past history of fever. Then, the compression values are studied in the 5 stages of the treatment of lymphedema by compression: elevation with Thuasne 18 bandages, Lymphapress and if necessary Tubing (always general anesthesia) limited to the leg. For the thigh, lymphatic "drainage" is recommended. Then comes the walking bandage (non elastic !). Once the edema has disappeared, elastic stockings (compression e.g. 60 mm at the level of the malleolus) are custom made. Statistics of 57 cases, where the regular replacement of the stockings after 9 to 13 years was controlled, conclude the study.