India
A 23-year-old member asked:
How do physicians treat lymphedema?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Morris Westfriedanswered
Dermatology 47 years experience
Compression: It is treated with a pump, compression with support hose. Internist may try water pills with some effect. I have found enzymes helpful in realist cases such as bromelain, a pineapple enzyme 3-6 a da in divided doses 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Todd Sistoanswered
Plastic Surgery 38 years experience
Many ways, none of: Of which work very well: compression garments, elevation, massage & if those alone don't help, sequential compression device that milks fluid towards the heart. Various surgeries have had limited success. A radical procedure procedure-sistrunk- removes 50% of the circumference of subcu fat, where the excess fluid "lives", in 2 stages.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. George Klauber commented
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Try and avoid surgery. I have seen a number of horrendous results in patients who wished they had never consented.
Mar 2, 2012
A Verified Doctoranswered
41 years experience
Decongestion: The mainstay is decongestive therapy. This includes wearing elastic compression stockings, using non-elastic circ-aid garments, sequential compression devices, lymphatic drainage/massage, diet and exercise. Going to a lymphedema clinic is helpful if you have one close. A great source of info is www.Lymphnet.Org.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 31, 2017
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