Stuiver MM, de Rooij JD, Lucas C, Nieweg OE, Horenblas S, van Geel AN, van Beurden M, Aaronson NK, et al.
Lymphology. Date of publication 2013 Sep 1;volume 46(3):120-31.
1. Lymphology. 2013 Sep;46(3):120-31.
No evidence of benefit from class-II compression stockings in the prevention of
lower-limb lymphedema after inguinal lymph node dissection: results of a
randomized controlled trial.
Stuiver MM, de Rooij JD, Lucas C, Nieweg OE, Horenblas S, van Geel AN, van
Beurden M, Aaronson NK.
Graduated compression stockings have been advocated for prevention of lymphedema
after inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) although scientific evidence of their
efficacy in preventing lymphedema is lacking. The primary objective of this study
was to assess the efficacy of class II compression stockings for the prevention
of lymphedema in cancer patients following ILND. Secondary objectives were to
investigate the influence of stockings on the occurrence of wound complications
and genital edema, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and body image. Eighty
patients (45 with melanoma, 35 with urogenital tumors) who underwent ILND at two
specialized cancer centers were randomly allocated to class II compression
stocking use for six months or to a usual care control group. Lymphedema of the
leg and genital area, wound complications, HRQoL, and body image were assessed at
regular intervals prior to and up to 12 months after ILND. No significant
differences were observed between groups in the incidence of edema, median time
to the occurrence of edema, incidence of genital edema, frequency of
complications, HRQoL, or body image. Based on the results of the current study,
routine prescription of class II graduated compression stockings after ILND
should be questioned and alternative prevention strategies should be considered.
PMID: 24645535 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
