Istanbul Gelisim University, Vocational School of Health Services, Lecturer Ferit Akkurt “Lymphatic circulation has taken its place in the vascular system in recent years and is an important part of circulation. The lymphatic system is the body's defense system and consists of anatomical structures such as lymph, lymphocytes, lymph capillaries and vessels, lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen and thymus gland. It also aids in the absorption of fats and other substances from the digestive tract.”
Akkurt said that the main function of the lymphatic system is to regulate the fluid balance of the tissues. “Every day, about 30 liters of fluid moves from the blood vessels to the interstitium space. 27 liters of this goes back to the blood capillaries. About 3 liters of fluid remaining in the intercellular space is the lymph in the lymph capillaries.
To his words, the lymph returns to the circulatory system by following a long path through the lymphatic vessel and transported to the venous system at certain points. The most important symptom of lymphatic system diseases is edema. Edema is excessive accumulation of interstitial fluid. Edema can occur in any organ or tissue and in the periphery. Continuing that edema mainly develops as a result of microvascular (capillary and venule) filtration exceeding the lymphatic drainage from that tissue, Akkurt said that the underlying problem of lymphedema is the problem of lymphatic fluid transmission and it is generally thought that lymphedema develops for two main reasons as primary and secondary.
Regarding the treatment, “The treatment of lymphedema is difficult. If edema is left uncontrolled, it progresses slowly and can become a limitation of daily life. Unfortunately, there is no effective drug in the treatment of lymphedema, and therefore, complex unloading physiotherapy methods are widely used. Specialist physiotherapists trained in this subject make these treatment methods”.
Complex unloading physiotherapy is divided into Phase1 and Phase2.
Phase 1 treatment includes manual drainage of edema, bandaging of the area, exercise, skin care and education.
The phase 2 treatment method includes controlling the area using a compression garment, exercise and skin care.
These treatments are applied to patients for life. Thanks to these treatments and trainings, patients can continue their lives comfortably without any difficulties in their daily lives. Otherwise, lymphedema may cause progressive swelling in patients and explained the treatment methods.
