Medical Research

The use of compression has long been lauded by surgeons, doctors and nurses as an ideal method for scar reduction, pain management, edema control and improved outcomes following surgical procedures. Anecdotal evidence promotes the use of appropriate compression, and so does the research. Please find below a sample of some of the many evidence based research articles written on the topic. Your healthcare provider can help determine if compression is right for you, and can even find more supportive research (as we said, there is a lot of supportive research).

In fact, the benefits of compression are so widely accepted that the use of compression has become a standard in post-surgical care. EaB products are above and beyond the standard and optimize the benefits and results of compression.

What is lymphedema?
Lymph vessels run throughout the body, much like blood vessels. They absorb lymph fluid from the tissue and move it to the lymph nodes to be filtered. During breast cancer surgery, some lymph nodes may be removed to check for cancer cells. Radiation therapy can also damage the lymph system and lead to blockages.
Both procedures can cause fluid to build up and cause swelling (edema). The swelling can be large and uncomfortable. This secondary lymphedema often occurs in the chest area or the arm, due to the location of the lymph nodes that are damaged.
What are the symptoms of lymphedema?
  • Swelling in the arm, chest, armpit, or hand
  • Jewelry, clothing, or bras may feel tighter than usual
  • Feelings of tightness or heaviness in the upper limb
  • Thickening or firmness of the skin on the affected area
  • Decreased flexibility in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or fingers
  • Weakness or fatigue in the arm
Lymphedema Management- Compression Therapy
Compression has been proven to help maintain the reductions in swelling. Lymphedema from breast cancer treatment commonly occurs in the arm, but it can also affect the chest. Compression can be used on both of these areas. Multi-layer bandaging is often used first, while a garment might be used after the lymphedema is better controlled.
References
  • American Cancer Society. (2016). For People at Risk of Lymphedema. https://bit.ly/2tuDXqG
  • American Cancer Society. (2016). For People With Lymphedema. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2tt8llx
  • American College of Surgeons. (2013). Breast Cancer Patients’ Fear Exceeds Risk. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2KnutY3
  • National Cancer Institute. (2015). Lymphedema (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2KjbDOA
  • Norman, S. A., Localio, A. R., Potashnik, S. L., Simoes Torpey, H. A., Kallan, M. J., Weber, A. L., … Solin, L. J. (2009). Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors: Incidence, Degree, Time Course, Treatment, and Symptoms. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 27(3), 390–397. http://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2008.17.9291
  • Susan G. Komen. (2018). Lymphedema. Retrieved from http://sgk.mn/2rFdQPx
  • Bertelli G, Venturini M, Forno G, Macchiavello F, Dini D. An analysis of prognostic factors in response to conservative treatment of postmastectomy lymphedema. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1992;175(5):455–60.
  • Brennen M. & Miller L. (1998). Overview of Treatment Options and Review of the Current Role and Use of Compression Garments, Intermittent Pumps, and Exercise in the Management of Lymphedema. CANCER Supplement, (83) 12, 2821- 27.
  • Camirand, A., Doucet, J. & Harris, J. (1999). Breast Augmentation: Compression – A Very Important Factor in Preventing Capsular Contracture. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 104 (2), 529-538.
  • Cheifetz, O., Lucy, S. D., Overend, T., & Crowe, J. (1998). The Effect of Abdominal Support on Functional Outcomes in Patients Following Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Physiother Can., 62(3): 242–253. doi: 10.3138/physio.62.3.242
  • Chen, C.Y., & Hoe, A.L. (1998). The effect of a pressure garment on post-surgical drainage and seroma formation in breast cancer patients. Singapore medical Journal: sma.org.sg.
  • Kuroi, K., Shimozuma, K., Taguchi, T., Imai, H., Yamashiro, H. et al. (2006). Effect of mechanical closure of dead space on seroma formation after Breast surgery. Breast Cancer, 13 (3), 260-265, DOI: 10.2325/jbcs.13.260
  • Larson, C.M., Ratzer, E.R., Davis-Merritt, D., & Clark, J.R. (2009). The effect of abdominal binders on postoperative pulmonary function. American Surgery, 75 (2), 169-71.
  • Pappas CJ, O’Donnell TF Jr. Long-term results of compression treatment for lymphedema. J Vasc Surg 1992;16(4):555– 62.
  • Unalp, H. R. & Onal, M. A. (2007). Analysis of Risk Factors Affecting the Development of Seromas Following Breast Cancer Surgeries: Seromas Following Breast Cancer Surgeries. DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4741.2007.00509.x