The role of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialist in lymphoedema [Le r?le du médecin de médecine physique et de réadaptation dans la prise en charge du lymph?dème]

摘要

This paper discusses lymphology and the role of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) specialist in the management of people with lymphoedema. PRM specialists have a defined role on managing these people and are particularly interested in those with primary and secondary lymphoedema [41]. The aim of the paper is to assist PRM specialists inform their colleagues and payers of services as to their role and to the range of patients, who will gain most advantage from their clinical care.Lymphoedema is a chronic and progressive condition resulting from an abnormality of, or damage to the lymphatic system. It contrasts from simple oedema due to conditions, such as limb immobilisation or hypoalbuminaemia and is the most readily recognizable attribute of lymphatic vascular incompetence in the presence of the characteristic swelling of tissues,which arises as a consequence of insufficient lymph transport. The accumulation of interstitial fluid in interstitial space leads to swelling, most often in the arms, legs, and other parts of the body.