Corresponding author: Ji Hye Hwang. Key words : Lymphedema ; Therapy ; Quality of life ; Personal satisfaction. Published online: June 30, To investigate the changing patterns of edema, quality of life QOL , and patient-satisfaction after complex decongestive therapy CDT in three trajectories: arm lymphedema AL , secondary leg lymphedema LL and primary leg lymphedema PL.
The patients were treated with CDT for 2 weeks, and lymphedema volume was measured before and immediately following the therapy. Patients then self-administered home therapy for 3 months and presented for a follow-up visit. There was no significant difference in the volume reductions between the 3 groups. There were no significant differences in all of the measures between PL and LL. Clinically significant differences were noted between AL and LL in the mean values of the satisfaction survey.
We suggest that lower extremity lymphedema patients present more favorable outcomes after CDT with respect to QOL and satisfaction than upper extremity lymphedema patients. Clinicians should approach patients with different therapeutic considerations specific to each type or region of lymphedema before using CDT in clinical practice.
Lymphedema is a chronic disease that is associated with decreased physical, psychological, and social well-being as well as quality of life QOL [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The perception of the state of health and QOL of patients are widely recognized as important issues, and the treatment goals of patients with lymphedema include preservation of QOL [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Unfortunately, many of the treatment strategies used have not been proven to be successful in preventing the occurrence of lymphedema.
Although secondary treatment is the best strategy for lymphedema, there is no definite treatment guideline [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. However, complex decongestive therapy CDT is currently recognized as a standard lymphedema treatment, focusing on reduction in limb volume and maintenance of healthy skin [ 9 , 11 , 12 ].
