Results of our complex decongestive therapy in secondary lower extremity lymphedema

Background: Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the quality of life of the patient and is difficult to treat. If untreated, it may diminish the quality of life by affecting the patient's home, work and social life. Therefore, its treatment is of great significance. In our study, we evaluated the results of complex decongestive treatment in patients with lower extremity secondary lymphedema. Methods: 23 patients with secondary lymphedema in their lower extremity in the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic of Kayseri City Hospital were included in the study. Phase-1 complex decongestive treatment was applied for 4 weeks and subsequently, phase-2 complex decongestive treatment was applied for 2 months. Pre-and post-treatment total circumference difference (TCD), body mass index, lower extremity function scale (LEFS), short form-36 results were compared. Results: 23 patients who were admitted to our clinic were included in the study retrospectively. 17 (73%) of the patients were female and 6 (27%) were male. The mean age was 49 (36-67). The BMI of the patients decreased from 30.78 +/- 2.54 to 28.54 +/- 1.94. TCD (Total Circumference Difference) decreased from 41.84 +/- 7.93 to 22.75 +/- 5.65. The SF-36 quality of life assessment scale increased from 35.56 +/- 4.38 to 45.47 +/- 4.53. LEFS increased from 24.34 +/- 3.47 to 47.08 +/- 5.47. The differences between the values were statistically significant. (p<0.01). Conclusion: Complex decongestive therapy is a highly effective and reliable treatment modality for lower extremity secondary lymphedema patients.