Patients with venous disease benefit from manual lymphatic drainage.

AIM

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may increase the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic venous disorder (CVD). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of MLD in patients with CVD who were candidates for venous surgery.

METHODS

Patients with CVD selected for elective venous surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups (N.=20). In the preoperative period, patients in the MLD group underwent MLD 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Patients in the control group did not undergo MLD. Both groups were evaluated for CVD staging on the day of selection for surgery and again 25 days after surgery. CVD staging was evaluated by: HADs (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), CEAP classification and Venous Reflux Index (VRI).

RESULTS

Mean parameter values in the MLD group (before treatment/after MLD/after surgery): Anxiety 12.85/8.85/4.95, Depression 9.40/6.30/3.00, VRI 0.39/0.25/0.17, CEAP 3.60/2.95/1.55. Parameter values in the control group (before treatment/after surgery): Anxiety 10.95/3.45, Depression 7.55/2.20, VRI 0.30/0.10, CEAP 3.55/1.80. In the MLD group there was improvement of QoL (P<0.05) and clinical stage according to the CEAP scale (P<0.05), and VRI (P<0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

After surgery, the MLD group had significantly better results than the control group in CEAP score (P<0.05) and had comparable results for QoL. MLD improved (P<0.05) VRI, CEAP score, anxiety and depression states. MLD can be an alternative or a supplementary procedure for patients surgically treated.