Volume reduction of arm lymphoedema

Most of the volume reduction in an 11-day course of compression bandaging for severe cancer-related arm lymphoedema appeared to occur in the first few days. This study therefore compared the volume loss during days 1-4 with 5-11. Fifteen consecutive courses of bandaging were studied. Arm volume was estimated on days 1, 5 and 11. The volume reduction during days 1-4 was compared with days 5-11 using the Wilcoxan Ranked Pairs Test. Seventy nine per cent of the total median volume reduction occurred during days 1-4. The difference between the two periods was highly significant (p < 0.001). The duration of compression bandaging has therefore been reduced to 4 days for severe cancer-related arm lymphoedema in this clinic.