[Pressure therapy using a mercury bath]

Abstract

The principle of compression of the limbs by means of a mercury pressure gradient has repercussions at various levels of the vascular physiology. This study demonstrates its effects on the lymphatic system, where post-radiotherapeutic, post-surgical and post-traumatic lymphedema (LE) can easily be reduced. The same is true for inflammatory, infectious and congenital LE as well as for venolymphatic edema. Brief periods of compression, with bandaging between sessions, stimulate the resumption of lymph drainage. This study demonstrates that recalcitrant hypodermititis also benefits considerably from compression of this type. The other sectors of peripheral vascular disease are under investigation, and preliminary findings are encouraging.