What is Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterised by the buildup of lymph fluid in certain parts of the body, leading to swelling and discomfort. This happens when the lymphatic system is unable to properly drain lymph fluid, often due to damage or blockage in the lymph vessels or nodes.
Types of Lymphedema
Primary Lymphedema
This type is usually caused by developmental abnormalities in the lymphatic system, leading to its improper functioning from birth or early childhood.
Secondary lymphedema
This type is more common and typically occurs as a result of damage to the lymphatic system. Causes can include surgery (such as lymph node removal during cancer treatment), radiation therapy, trauma, infection, obesity, or other medical conditions that affect the flow of lymph fluid.
Management of Lymphedema
It’s essential for individuals with or at risk for developing lymphedema to work closely with healthcare providers to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Lymphedema treatment involves various approaches to manage this chronic condition. The primary goal is to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort for individuals affected by lymphedema. For the treatment of Lymphedema the Golden Standard of Care is called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). The components of this Therapy includes manual lymphatic drainage(MLD) and Compression therapy, where specially designed Pneumatic Pumps, compression garments or bandages are used to apply pressure and prevent fluid buildup.
There is abundant information on the importance of exercise, physical therapy, skin care, and surgical interventions in managing lymphedema. It’s essential to highlight the role of compression garments as well in reducing swelling and promoting fluid drainage. These garments are often prescribed as part of a holistic treatment approach for individuals with lymphedema. Remember that early detection and proactive management are key in effectively managing this condition and improving quality of life for patients.
Interested in starting a Lymphedema clinic
About us
LEEP is a company specialising in Lymphedema care and management. Lymphedema has a lot of prevalence in India because of Filiarisis as well as complications from cancer surgery like head and neck, breast and abdominal surgeries to name a few.
A Study of incidence of lymphedema in Indian patients undergoing axillary dissection for breast cancer showed that the overall incidence of lymphedema was 41.1% in this group. Whatever the figures out there Lymphedema remains a serious problem post cancer surgery.
Most Lymphedema cases go undetected or untreated because of limited awareness at patient level and few facilities to treat and do ongoing management of Lymphedema.
We believe that the answer to this problem lies in making care of lymphedema more accessible as well as affordable.
LEEP has endeavoured to create more awareness on this by way of helping clinicians start lymphedema clinics.
We support this through education, awareness, affordable products and end to end solutions for creating lymphedema clinics.
Our experts have been associated with lymphedema management for decades and are acknowledged as the pioneers and leading figures in this field.
Our Team
Alan D’Abreo
Director
Mrs. Rekha Gogia
Technical consultant
Dr.S.B.Gogia
Consultant