Treatment, step by step
is used for (lymphoedema that has been present for a long time and does not go away) when excess fat makes up most of the swelling. is needed both before and after surgery.323
Fluid is reduced
first removes the fluid that can be removed.23
Excess fat is removed
removes fat that cannot reduce.23
The result is maintained
Made-to-measure (special garments that apply even pressure and help keep swelling down) are worn day and night, for the rest of your life.23
Important to know: treatment requires you to wear day and night for the rest of your life. Without them, the swelling will return.1823
What do the studies show?
The table describes results in selected groups of patients who had both and continued . Follow-up up to a certain time does not mean everyone was followed for that long. Results vary between individuals.
does not restore lymph transport. In the patient group studied, no worsening of transport was seen either.18
| Study | Patients | Follow-up | Results in the study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brorson & Svensson 199818 | 28, comparison18 | 1 year18 | 104 % reduction, versus 47 % with alone18 |
| Hoffner m.fl. 201823 | 105 with (lymphoedema in the arm) for an average of 10 years23 | 5 years23 | 117 % reduction, no recurrence in the group23 |
| Brorson 2015, arm21 | 14621 | Up to 21 years21 | Over 100 % reduction during follow-up. The material removed was 95 % fat21 |
| Brorson 2015, leg22 | 56, including 29 with (swelling that develops when the body’s lymphatic system cannot carry fluid away) present from birth22 | Up to 10 years22 | 104 % reduction from an average excess of 3,9 litres22 |
| Karlsson m.fl. 202327 | 67 with leg 27 | 5 years27 | 115 % reduction, no serious complications in the group27 |
How does excess leg volume change?
The study followed 67 patients with leg . (the extra volume compared with the unaffected arm or leg) fell on average by 101 % after 1 year and 115 % after 5 years.27
Results from other countries
At Macquarie University in Australia, 59 patients were followed for up to 5 years. The volume difference between arms fell from 1 061 ml to 22 ml after one year. The difference between legs fell from 3 447 ml to 263 ml after one year, but rose to 669 ml after five years.29
This shows why legs need careful follow-up. The method has also been studied in the Netherlands and described in the USA.303132
Who might treatment suit?
It may be suitable for long-standing that no longer leaves a dent when pressed. Previous treatment should have been tried. You need to be prepared for lifelong and regular check-ups.2327
A doctor always makes an individual assessment.
The information describes results in studies. Results vary between individuals. A doctor needs to assess your situation.
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