Lymphoedema Resources

Compression is the key to management of lymphoedema and multilayer bandaging has been considered the gold standard. This article looks at adjustable Velcro compression devices as an alternative to multilayer bandaging. The author finds that the devices enable patients to maintain the required pressure in between consultations with healthcare professionals. They also allow for changes in limb volume and can help with concordance, as well as cutting down on the time clinicians need to spend with patients as the devices promote self-management.

This article focuses on the work of a team of community nurses running a primary care drop-in centre. As well as a full range of clinic services, the team sees a lot of leg ulcer patients for compression bandaging. A common problem with traditional compression bandaging is the amount of time that community nurses have to spend on the procedure, as well as the dangers of maintaining pressure and bandage slippage between dressing appointments, which can result in discomfort for patients and even skin damage in some cases. This also has implications for patient concordance. This article looks at a review by the team of a new compression system (juxtacures®; medi UK), which offers measurable and adjustable compression and a greater involvement by patients in their own care, which in turn can minimise the time nurses need to spend on dressing changes.

This article provides an overview of lymphoedema and its management. It includes information on the definition of lymphoedema, anatomy (lymphatics), lymphoedema staging, complications and the psychosocial impact. This leads onto a discussion of the management methods that can be delivered by community staff and practice nurses who have received appropriate training. Involving patients and their family/carers in all aspects of the management plan can help them to cope with this lifelong condition and promote concordance with treatment.

Millions of people across the world are affected by lymphoedema. Physical treatments commonly combine skin care, compression therapy, exercise and manual lymphatic drainage. Increasingly, surgery has been recognised as providing benefits for some individuals with lymphoedema, although the evidence is still limited. This article overviews lymphoedema types and treatments, discusses different surgical approaches for people with lymphoedema, and the implications for community nurses.

Dr Anne Williams Nurse Consultant/ Researcher, Esk Lymphology, Midlothian

Article accepted for publication: January 2012

Rosemary Pudner considers the issues involved when managing a patient with a leg ulcer.

Rosemary Pudner discusses the special needs of patients who have a fungating or malignant wound.

Lynfa Edwards discusses compression bandaging in the treatment of venous leg ulcers

Jan Hammett gives a descriptive account about how a series of ten palliative care workshops highlighted the need for more accessible education in the field of palliative care.

Lynfa Edwards discusses some issues which can prevent the recurrence of venous leg ulcers.