Rinehart-Ayres, M., Fish, K., Lapp, K., Brown, C.N., & Rucker, B. (2010). Use of compression pumps for treatment of upper extremity lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer: A systematic review. Rehabilitation Oncology, 28(1), 10–18.
To assess if compression pumps decrease lymphedema compared with other treatments and to identify recommended parameters for use of compression pumps
Databases searched were MEDLINE, Ovid, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus through January 2007, and hand searching from article references. Key search words were breast cancer, lymphedema, pneumatic compression, compression pumps, intermittent compression, and sequential compression. Studies were included in the review if they
Exclusion criteria were not specified.
Eighty-five articles were retrieved initially. Studies were categorized using Sackett’s levels of evidence. Additional discussion of study information was done, though specific methods were not described.
Among highest level studies, there were no differences between pneumatic compression and no intervention or compression garments or bandages.
There is no evidence that suggests use of intermittent compression pumps is effective in management of lymphedema or is any better than education about arm care and hygiene. There is no consensus about pressures to be used with compression pumps.
Findings do not support the use of compression pumps for lymphedema management secondary to breast cancer treatment. There is no information to establish appropriate and safe pressure levels for use.