Preventing Early Postoperative Arm Swelling and Lymphedema Manifestation by Compression Sleeves After Axillary Lymph Node Interventions in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ContextBreast cancer–related lymphedema (LE) remains one of the major long-term complications after surgery. Many reports showed the effectiveness of compression in breast cancer–related LE treatment, but randomized controlled trials evaluating compression garments for postoperative prevention are lacking. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the potential role of light arm compression sleeves for reducing the incidence of early postoperative swelling and of breast cancer–related arm LE. MethodsA total of 45 women were pre-operatively randomly assigned to a group with compression of circular-knit sleeves in compression class I (15–21 mm Hg) for daily wearing (compression group [CG]; n = 23) or to a control group without compression (no CG, n = 22). Both groups underwent a standardized physical exercise program. Arm volumes were measured before surgery and one, three, six, nine, and 12 months thereafter. ResultsAt one month, postoperative swelling was reduced only in CG. After 12 months, the average change of excess volumes (edema) reached −67.6 mL in the CG vs. +114.5 mL in the no CG (P < 0.001). Significantly less edema was seen in the CG after three, six, nine, and 12 months. No significant difference between groups in health-related quality of life (measured by EORTC QLQ-C30) was observed. ConclusionFifteen to 21 mm Hg compression sleeves in combination with physical activity may be a safe and efficient option to prevent postsurgical arm swelling and development of LE.