[Compression therapy of lymphedema (author's transl)].

In spite of the development of micro-surgical techniques which enable functioning lymphovenous anastomoses to be formed, surgical interventions are not usually indicated in extremities with lymphedema which are for the most part already irreparably damaged. For want of an effective medicinal alternative compression therapy is still the method of choice. Its mode of action, indication and performance are dealt with. The "manual lymph drainage" which has received much propaganda in recent years shows good results only in the initial stages which are still reversible. In pronounced indurative scleredermas a considerable reduction in volume can be achieved by wrapping the extremity in non-elastic or tubular bandages which must be consistently preserved by compression stockings of class 3 and 4.