Iwersen, L.F., Sperandio, F.F., Toriy, A.M., Palu, M., & Medeiros da Luz, C. (2017). Evidence-based practice in the management of lower limb lymphedema after gynecological cancer. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 33, 1–8.
STUDY PURPOSE: To examine the current amount and quality of evidence for the standard treatment of lower limb lymphedema (LLL) after treatment for gynecologic cancers
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
The evidence was weak (IIIC) but did show an overall decreased volume of limb(s) after CDT.
Despite the accepted and common recommendation to use CDT for LLL treatment, few studies support this in an evidence-based environment.
The value of this review is that it highlights the limited evidence and research attempted, to date, for standard LLL treatment. More research is needed in this area, particularly randomized, clinical trials. Hopefully, this encourages nurses to initiate research to better support evidence-based practice and interventions for women with LLL.