Head and Neck Lymphedema: Treatment Response to Single and Multiple Sessions of Advanced Pneumatic Compression Therapy

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019 Apr;160(4):622-626. doi: 10.1177/0194599818823180. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Abstract

Ten head and neck cancer survivors diagnosed with head and neck lymphedema (HNL) were imaged using near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) prior to and immediately after an initial advance pneumatic compression device treatment and again after 2 weeks of daily at-home use. Images assessed the impact of pneumatic compression therapy on lymphatic drainage. Facial composite measurement scores assessed reduction/increase in external swelling, and survey results were obtained. After a single pneumatic compression treatment, NIRFLI showed enhanced lymphatic uptake and drainage in all subjects. After 2 weeks of daily treatment, areas of dermal backflow disappeared or were reduced in 6 of 8 subjects presenting with backflow. In general, reductions in facial composite measurement scores tracked with reductions in backflow and subject-reported improvements; however, studies are needed to determine whether longer treatment durations can be impactful and whether advanced pneumatic compression can be used to ameliorate backflow characteristic of HNL.

Keywords: head and neck cancer survivorship; lymphatics; lymphedema; near-infrared fluorescence imaging; pneumatic compression therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices*
  • Lymphedema / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphedema / etiology
  • Lymphedema / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optical Imaging
  • Treatment Outcome