Fatemeh Rahimi - PhD student in physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Shahpar Haghighat - Quality of Life Research Group in Cancer Patients, Breast Cancer Research Center (SID)
Barati - MSc in physiotherapy, Seyed Khandan physiotherapy center

Introduction and Aim: Lymphedema is a fairly common and unpleasant condition after the removal of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer. The upper limb lymphedema leads to swelling and decreased function of the limb. There is no definitive treatment for post mastectomy lymphedema. It affects the person s physical and psychological life. Today, the only standard way to control this complication is Combined Decongestive Therapy. In some countries, intermittent compression pump is also used as a tool for managing lymphedema. The purpose of this study was to review published studies related to the effect of intermittent compression pump on reducing lymphedema after breast surgery Methods: Published studies from 2000-2017 were searched on the Google Scholar, Medlib, PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus databases. We used these keywords: intermittent compression pump, lymphedema, Combined Decongestive Therapy, mastectomy.115 articles were found that we excluded 95 unrelated articles. Of the 20 related articles, 13 articles were selected: 9 clinical trials and 4 systematic reviews Results and Conclusion: We found that by using an intermittent compression pump, the transfer of fluid from the tissue is not accompanied with the transfer of large molecules (protein) from the interstitial tissue, so the intermittent compression pump alone is not effective and a comprehensive multimodality treatment is required for complete transfer of lymphedema. The intermittent compression pump can be used as a part of a comprehensive treatment for upper limb lymphedema (massage, bandage, exercise and skin care). Maybe it is not cost-effective and time-consuming for the patient to use the pump, while Combined Decongestive Therapy and skin care result in desirable outcomes.

intermittent compression pump, lymphedema, Combined Decongestive Therapy, mastectomy