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Lower Limb Lymphedema

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Lymphedema

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Abstract

Lower limb lymphedema accounts for the majority of all lymphedema cases; therefore its decongestion represents an important field of lymphedema care. The major components of complex decongestive physiotherapy are

Manual lymph drainage: Strong empirical body supports its usage; however clinical trials have inconsistent qualities and outcomes. However indocyanine-green visualization was able to display an improvement of lymph vessel contractility.

Intermittent pneumatic compression: There are an increasing number of corresponding clinical trials; thus a relatively strong evidence can be attributed to its application. There is no consistent recommendation on pressure, inflation and deflation time, and the duration of treatment; however latest findings advocate long inflation time and high pressures.

Compression is the mainstay of decongestion. Inelastic and elastic bandages are responsible for the intensive edema evacuation. Compression stockings are responsible for the maintenance therapy. Velcro bandages play a dual role as they are capable of intensive decongestion and maintenance due to the easily-applicable self-adjustment system.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor, Szeged, Hungary

    Győző Szolnoky MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Győző Szolnoky MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Győző Szolnoky MD, PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Lymphedema and Vascular Malformations, Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Byung-Boong Lee

  2. Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA

    Stanley G. Rockson

  3. La Jolla, California, USA

    John Bergan

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Szolnoky, G. (2018). Lower Limb Lymphedema. In: Lee, BB., Rockson, S., Bergan, J. (eds) Lymphedema. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52423-8_41

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52423-8_41

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-52423-8

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