The efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression as a substitute for manual lymphatic drainage in complete decongestive therapy in the treatment of breast cancer related lymphedema.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) as a substitute for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for treatment of advanced stages of breast cancer-related lymphedema. In this randomized, single-blind, controlled study, 46 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema were divided into 2 groups. Both MLD with compression bandage (CB) group (n=24) and IPC with CB group (n=22) received treatment 3 days a week for 5 weeks. Home exercise program was also given to all patients. At the end of the 5th week, patients were treated with a daily 23-hour compression garment and home exercise routines. Assessments were taken at baseline, the fifth week, and the third month. Arm circumference was measured at 5 different areas, shoulder range of motion (ROM) was evaluated with a goniometer, pain, and tightness, and heaviness sensations were assessed with visual analog scale. Both groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between groups and both groups showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in the five measurement levels of the arm circumference at the fifth week and third month. Similarly, shoulder ROM, pain, tightness, and heaviness sensations improved in both groups (p<0.05). Both MLD and IPC as a component of CDT were found successful at 5 weeks and 3 months without superiority to each other.