Vignes, S., Blanchard, M., Arrault, M., & Porcher, R. (2013). Intensive complete decongestive physiotherapy for cancer-related upper-limb lymphedema: 11 days achieved greater volume reduction than 4. Gynecologic Oncology, 131, 127–130.
To determine the optimal complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) duration for reduction of lymphedema volume, as well as factors that will predict its success, optimally reducing it from 11 to 4 days
Patients were hospitalized in a rehabilitation center for 11 days for CDP. Lymphedema volume was evaluated initially and after 4 and 9 bandages.
LOCATION: Paris, France
Initial lymphedema volume was 907 mL at inclusion, with a significant mean decrease to 712 mL after four days, and 606 mL after 11 days. This corresponds to a 33% total lymphedema volume reduction.
CDP for 11 days had a significantly greater volume reduction of breast cancer-related lymphedema volume than after 4 days.
CDP for 11 days may be more effective than only four days and will more significantly improve patients' breast cancer-related lymphedema and may improve patients' overall quality of life more.