Efficacy of Inelastic Compression Devices with a High Stiffness in Older Breast Cancer Survivors with Moderate and Severe Lymphedema: A Prospective Interventional Study.

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness, physical functioning and comfort of decongestive adjustable compression wraps (ACW, Circaid® reduction kit), the essential ACW (Circaid® juxtafit™ essentials) and MLB (Multi-layer bandaging) among patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), divided into a moderate (MG, n = 28) and severe group (SG, n = 27), based on BCRL severity.

Methods

The treatment lasted 10 days and was carried out over a two-week period. In the first week, all patients were treated by experienced physiotherapists. In the second week, the protocol was continued at home. Measurements, including limb volumes, physical functioning and disease-related symptoms, were performed prior to the intervention (at baseline), as well as following one and two weeks of treatment. Compression comfort was assessed in the groups after one and two weeks.

Results

In both groups, a significant reduction in affected limb volume was found after one week (p < 0.001). The pressure under the decongestive ACW device was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in comparison to the essential ACW and MLB. The affected limb joint mobility in the decongestive ACW group was significantly higher after the second week in the SG (p = 0.023). Although minor complications of compression were observed less frequently with MLB than with ACWs, compression comfort was comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

Both ACWs may represent feasible alternatives to multi-layer bandaging during the intensive phase of complex decongestive therapy in selected patients.