Abstract
Oedema always occur when filtration, i.e. fluid transfer to the interstitial capillaries, is greater than intravascular colloid osmotic pressure, which is responsible for “fluid reabsorption” from the interstitium into the vascular system, and lymph drainage, which among other things controls drainage of remaining fluids from the interstitium (▶ Fig. 1). Therapeutically we can activate lymph flow by manual lymph drainage and influence colloid osmotic pressure with albumin administration or diuretics, although the latter is not indicated in lymphoedema. The most important measure for oedema prophylaxis or therapy is compression. By using compression bandages or stockings we achieve oedema reduction in three ways. Compression (▶ Fig. 1) 1. leads, by decreasing the pressure difference (intravascular-extravascular), to a reduction in the filtration amount. 2. supports lymph formation by offsetting interstitial fluid in the lymph capillaries. 3. supports lymphatic and venous reflux via “splinting”.
Published Version
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