Lymphovenous Canada: Cross Cancer Institute publishes study on MLD and compression bandaging

This study reports on a randomized study of compression bandaging and MLD on women with breast cancer-related lymphedema in their arms over a four week period. The goal of the study was to determine whether there was a difference in the reduction in arm lymphedema when manual lymph drainage was used in combination with compression bandaging, in contrast to using compression bandaging alone.

Fifty women, with a mean age of 59 years of age, participated in the study at the Cross Cancer Institute. 25 women were assigned to each control group. Four weeks of compression bandaging using a figure eight system, with the bandages being replaced five days per week over the treatment period, resulted in significant reduction in arm lymphedema (38%). Most subjects experienced the greatest reduction in swelling in the first two weeks of treatment. The addition of manual lymph drainage had no significant effect on the swelling except in individuals with mild forms of lymphedema. Some women with more fibroisis types of lymphedema benefitted from treatment in the fourth week.

The study recommends compression bandaging as the primary treatment option in reducing arm lymphedema volume. It recommends that further study be undertaken on the use of manual lymph drainage for women with mild lymphedema.