Rééducation en pathologie lymphatique

The limb lymphoedema is the principal lymphatic disorder. Treatment of lymphoedema is based upon complex decongestive physiotherapy, a therapy that includes two phases. The first which is intensive reduces the lymphoedema volume with daily low stretch bandages associated with manual lymph drainage. The second phase of the treatment consists in stabilizing the lymphoedema volume with regular self-bandaging and elastic compression garment. Management of limb lymphoedema includes practical advices, weight loss when necessary and skin care to avoid potential cutaneous infections. Reconstructive surgery is rarely used. Cutaneous resection is a useful tool in genital lymphoedemas. Regular and prolonged medical follow-up is required for this chronic disease to maintain the necessary motivation of the patient.