The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Randomized trial of decongestive lymphatic therapy for the treatment of lymphedema in women with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2013; 31: 3758-3763.

Published: 15th May 2014

Authors: Dayes IS, Whelan TJ, Julian JA, Parpla S, Pritchard KI, D’Souza DP et al. et al.

Conclusion

Ninety-five women were evaluable following randomization to compression alone, or additional manual lymphatic drainage. The mean reduction of excess arm volume was similar: 23 per cent with compression and 29 per cent with additional lymphatic massage; P=0.34.