Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of heating and bandage treatment on patients with chronic lymphedema of extremities. Methods From January 2012 to September 2013, 53 patients with chronic lymphedema of extremities were received heating and bandage treatment. The extent of tissue edema were detected by Multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis before and after treatment. The circumference of the extremities were measured before and after treatment. Results After heating and bandage treatment, remarkable reduction of accumulated edema fluid in tissue and circumference were observed (P=0.006, P=0.000). On long-term follow-up, most of the patients felt better. The relapse of lymphedema was reduced by pressure therapy with elastic material secondly. The correlation between edema lessening and circumference reducing was obviously significant (r=0.356, P=0.01). Conclusion Heating and bandage treatment can effectively reduce the edema of extremities. Simultaneously, the subsequent elastic material pressure therapy was essential.

Key words: Lymphedema, Heating and bandage treatment, Hyperthermia, Detumescence