Nighttime Bandaging to Reduce Lymphedema Swelling

Abstract

Multilayer compression bandaging (MLB) for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) patients may be easier to apply during nighttime sleep. Little is known about the specific effects of nighttime multilayer bandaging (NMLB) alone. In the present study, we examined whether NMLB alone significantly improved the negative symptoms of BCRL such as excessive swelling and an unpleasant feeling. A pre–post study was conducted as a basis for the development of efficient self-care treatment. Eight middle-aged female patients with unilateral upper extremity BCRL voluntarily participated in this study. During the first 2 weeks, the participants were educated and trained in the self-bandaging technique. The participants then wore MLB on the affected extremity for the following seven nights at home from bedtime to the next morning (hereafter referred to as the intervention). We measured the segmental total body water (STBW) volume on the affected upper extremity using bioimpedance spectroscopy and subjective symptoms using a visual analog scale. Each parameter was measured at the beginning and end of the intervention periods. It was found that the STBW volume on the affected upper extremity decreased significantly during intervention. The mean STBW volume reduction was 0.088 L (p = .047, 95% CI [0.001, 0.175] L]). Subjective symptoms related to swelling (i.e., tightness, heaviness, and fullness) decreased significantly during intervention (p < .05). In conclusion, decrease in the STBW volume and subjective symptoms on the affected upper extremity were observed at the end of the intervention. These results suggest that NMLB reduces both swelling and swelling-related symptoms of BCRL.