Abstract: Objective　To investigate the long-term effect of prolonged use of low elastic bandages after CDT (complex decongestion therapy) treatment in patients with chronic lymphedema in limbs. Methods　Since 2016, 57 patients with lymphedema were divided into A (>1 year), B (0.5-1 year) and C (<0.5 year) group according to the duration of self-use of low elastic bandage after treatment. Multi-frequency bio-resistance human component analyzer was used to measure tissue moisture, and limb circumference was measured by tape measure. The changes of water content and circumference at the return visit and the end of treatment were compared among the three groups. Results　Group A was significantly better than group B and C in maintaining limb circumference and water content, while group B was better than group C (P<0.05). The incidence frequency of erysipelas in the three groups was improved after treatment, and group A had the greatest improvement (P<0.05). Conclusion　Patients with chronic lymphedema of limbs should continue to bandage the affected limb after CDT treatment, and the longer the patients insist on using the low elastic bandage, the better the long-term efficacy.

Key words: Lymphedema;　CDT therapy;　Low-elastic bandage;　Long-term effect, Health education