Abstract: Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) combined with manual lymphatic drainage in the treatment of lymphedema of limbs. Methods From June 2014 to June 2015,102 cases of limb lymphedema with different etiology and location were treated by CDT combined with manual lymphatic drainage for 1 course (4 weeks). Multiple frequency bioelectrical body composition analyzer was used for monitoring the extent of tissue edema and human BMI changes, and the limb circumference changes were measured. Subsequent CDT self -treatment was ordered. Results The limb edema degree, BMI index and limb circumference were all significantly decreased after CDT treatment (P <0.001). The variation of water content, circumferential diameter and BMI before and after the treatment were all significantly correlated (r=0.445, 0.567, 0.572; P<0.001). All patients were followed up for 6 months, 90% patients insisted on CDT self-treatment, and no obvious recurrence was observed. Conclusion CDT treatment can significantly eliminate the lymphedema of extremity edema and reduce BMI, and subsequent CDT self-treatment is also indispensable.

Key words: Lymphedema, Manual lymphatic drainage, Complex decongestive therapy, Body mass index, Detumescence