[Adjuvant therapy in lymphedema]

Abstract

Therapy of first choice in chronic lymphedema is the complex physical drainage therapy. Complementary measures serve the prevention of erysipelas, the treatment of secondary tissue damage and additionally existing diseases in the lymphedematous area. Some measures of physical medicine and drugs are discussed. Antioxidative therapy as a new principle is presented. It is used to decrease secondary tissue damage by free radicals and to prevent possible damage far from the lymphedematous area.