Conservative treatment of lymphoedema of the limbs

Abstract

Management of Lymphoedema is extremely variable in the medical profession, ranging from aggressive diagnostic procedures, which may aggravate the disease (lymphography by oily contrast mediums) in combination with therapeutic nihilism to precipitous operations. Scattered between these two contraversial extreme positions are quite a number of various conservative methods - some of which being in conflict with the anatomy and physiology of the lymph vascular system and the pathology of Lymphoedema. Lymphoedema, if left untreated, or is treated inadequately, may lead to invalidity and to death if Stewart-Treves Syndrome develops. Unnecessary surgery may have disastrous consequences. The paper describes how Lymphoedema can be treated with success, free of any side effects, by complex physiotherapy.