Home / Publications
The recommended treatment of lymphedema is the association of therapies such as manual and mechanical lymph drainage, compression therapy (hosiery and bandaging), exercising, myolymphokinetic activities and hygienic precautions [1–3]. In primary congenital lymphedema, the forms of treatment are the same but the treatment must be adapted for children with respect to their social reality. The objective of the current study is to report on the treatment of congenital lymphedema utilizing stockings and shoes made of a cotton–polyester material.
LINKThe aim of this work was to study on a new low-elastic textile that fulfilled the criteria of fabrics for the manufacture of compression garments to treat lymphedema. The evolution of Godoy & Godoy compression sleeves was performed by following the patients treated for arm lymphedema. Sixty-six patients with ages ranging from 35 to 83 years and a mean of 58.8 years were included in this study. Diagnosis, by the clinical evaluation confirmed by the volumetry, was defined as a volume difference of more than 200 mL between the arms. All the participants were submitted to treatment sessions once, or two times weekly in an outpatient setting. The material used for the compression sleeve in this study was commercialized in Brazil under the name of Gorgurão®. When high alterations in the pattern of sleeves were made, the patients were monitored by weekly volumetric assessments. The criterion to maintain the modifications in the design was that the hand did not present with edema. By the end of the study, the design of the sleeve was changed so as not to use compression therapy of the hands in 81.8% of the cases; 12.2% continued with compression of the hand, 3.0% stopped using compression completely and 3.0% used only a glove. Thus, Godoy & Godoy compression sleeves could be an efficient option for compression in the treatment of arm lymphedema as they provided better independence in day-to-day activities.
LINKIt is amazing how artifacts that optimize the performance of athletes arouse interest and have immediate adhesion. In addition to the known use of elastic stockings for venous and lymphatic insufficiency, their indication in other non‐pathological conditions such as in combatting occupational edema has recently been demonstrated and scientifically proven (1‐3). However, the benefits of the use of compressive mechanisms in sport, as has been extensively publicized by the media thanks to the great interest of athletes and manufacturers, have not always been verified by methodologically correct studies that are able to substantiate their appropriate and effective medical prescription.
LINKLymphoedema patients need mechanical help to complete removal of lymph from the tissues. The objectives of this study were to adapt and evaluate a fabric which would fill the basic requirements of compression, tolerability, easy to find and of a low cost. A new inelastic sleeve made from a type of polyester fabric called “gorgurão” was evaluated in six female patients with lymphoedema of the upper limbs. The sleeves always need to be well adjusted so that they act as a compartment limitation during exercises. A method to measure the pressure using a modified pressure apparatus was developed. This new fabric was compared with conventional dressings. The pressure variations during the flexion and extension of arm fluctuated from 20 to 60 mmHg with the sleeve dressings. The sleeves were very tolerable and reduced the measurement of the circumferences of the affected limbs 2 to 4 cms in three weeks of use. In conclusion, the sleeves made from this fabric with low elasticity are effective to reduce the circumferences of upper limbs with lymphoedema. Key words: lymphoedema, development, inelastic sleeves.
LINK
