Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. E-mail: pedram. Lymphedema is a severe debilitating disease characterized by the accumulation of excessive protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space.
Given the severe morbidity associated with this disease process, various surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities have been developed to attempt to reduce the incidence and symptoms associated with lymphedema.
Manual lymphatic drainage MLD is a component of complete decongestive therapy on-surgical treatment which has demonstrated benefit in reducing the development of lymphedema following surgery. Here we provide a review of literature on MLD and its potential mechanism of action. This paper aims to educate patients, physicians, and surgeons about MLD regarding its efficacy and utility in the treatment paradigm for lymphedema and to translate concepts from the treatment of lymphedema to cosmetic procedures.
Lymphedema is a disease process manifested by inadequate drainage of lymphatic vessels, resulting in an accumulation of excess protein-rich interstitial fluid. Under homeostatic conditions, fluid interactions between capillaries, interstitial space, and lymphatic vessels allow for net fluid to extravasate from the arterial end of capillaries, which is then reabsorbed into lymphatic channels at the venous side of capillaries.
The delicate balance of hydrostatic pressure and colloid pressure between the capillaries and interstitial spaces normally work in harmony to prevent the accumulation and stasis of fluid. Under normal circumstances, any excess fluid in the interstitial space is easily and readily removed by a nonpathologic lymphatic system.
