A blockage of the lymph flow results causing fluid to accumulate primarily in the superficial tissues. Lymphedema can also occur in the legs following surgery for cancer in the abdominal or pelvic region. Although relatively rare, lymphedema may also be caused by congenital abnormalities, usually showing up in adolescence or early adulthood.
Although lymphedema cannot be cured, it can be significantly reduced through education and proper management. The lymphedema management program provides education, treatment, and self-management instruction, while providing a caring source of support for each patient.
Treatment consists of manual lymphatic drainage, gentle deeper massage to restore tissue mobility, compression bandaging, exercise, assessment of need for a compression garment, and addressing any related range of motion deficits and functional limitations. The goal is for the patient to gain independence in home management once the edema reduction has reached a plateau.
Saint Agnes' Lymphedema treatment program has received Certificate of Sponsorship to the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) of treatment centers. For more information, visit their Web site at www.lymphnet.org.
