| Lymphedema describes a progressive pathologic condition of the lymphatic system in which there is interstitial accumulation of protein-rich ?uid and subsequent in?ammation, adipose tissue hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Lymphedema is a chronic process, there is no means of a treatment can be fully recovered extremity involved at present. So far, the treatment of chronic lymphedema is still a very difficult clinical problem. More inclined to conservative treatment at home and abroad. Searching for an effective treatment method which can alleviate patients'pain is the pursuit of vascular surgeons. In this paper,the clinical data of 55 cases with lymphedema treated by air pressure wave therapeutic equipment in our hospital from November 2007 to January 2009 were analyzed retrospectively, to explore the value of the application of air pressure wave therapy for chronic lymphedema.Objective: To explore the value of the application of air pressure wave therapy for chronic lymphedema.Methods: The clinical data of 55 cases (76 limbs)with chromic lymphedema in our hospital from November 2007 to January 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. 21 cases(29 limbs) were divided into control group, 34 cases(47 limbs)were divided into treatment group. The circumferences at 15cm on the upper edge of patella, 15cm under the lower edge of the patella and malleolus were measured before,during and after treatment. The sum of the three circumferences before and after treatment were compared. And the effect of the treatment were analyzed statistically. Control group patients were given medicines such as ligustrazine,Ozagrel to improve circulation and inhibit platel- et aggregation. At the same time, they were given diuretic, anti- inflamma- tory and low-dose urokinase based on patients'condition, 15 days for a course of treatment. In addition to the above treatment , treatment group patients were giv- en air pressure wave therapy. Pressure range was 80 - 180mmHg ,according to the pressure of the bearing capacity of patients. The air pressure wave therapy was given one or two times a day, each 30 minutes, 15 days for a course of treat- ment. At the same time, all patients took symptomatic treatment such as bed rest, limb elevation, keeping skin clean and so on.After the treatment patients used medical elastic stockings for maintenance therapy to reduce recurrence.Results: All patients were discharged improved with no death.Limb circu- mference was reduced, skin was thinning, skin elasticity and subsidiary organs returned to normal, symptoms were improved, the subcutaneous tissue was soft , the ability to work increased; the treatment group before treatment limb circumferences were measured and the average is 112.65cm, after treatment of 15d the average is 106.85cm. 12 limbs (25.5%) were clinical cure, 22 limbs (46.8%) significantly effective,13 limbs (27.7%) effective, 0 limb invalid.the control group before treatment limb circumferences were measured and the average is 111.36cm, after treatment of 15d the average is 108.74cm, 6 limbs (20.7%) were clinical cure, 9 limbs (31.0%) Significantly effective, 14 limbs ( 48.3%)effective, 0 limb invalid. After statistical processing, there is a significant defference(p<0.05) on the effect between before and after treatment of the control group and treatment group. The effects of the treatment group and the control group were significantly different (p <0.05), it suggested that the air pressure wave treatment for chronic lymphedema was effective.It can significantly eliminate edema, reduce the circumference and the limb tension. There were non-specific discomfort and adverse events during the treatment, it had good compliance. Conclusion: For chronic lymphedema, the application of air pressure wave therapy is a very effective method. Air wave pressure therapy as part of combined therapy has the advantages of satisfaction with the efficacy,safety and good compliance. |
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