Introduction: Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) is characterized by fluid retention following failure of the lymphatic system, damaged by the oncologic, surgical and medical treatment, which was applied in breast cancer surgery. Physiotherapy currently addresses BCRL through Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) using manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, compressive bandaging and education and hygiene measures.
Objetives: This systematic review aims to analyze which bandaging type is most effective in reducing or controlling lymphedema’s limb volume in patients who have suffered primary breast cancer.
Methodology: A systematic search was carried out according to PRISMA criteria in PubMed, PEDro and Web of Science databases, combining Mesh terms and lymphedema and bandaging related keywords.
Results: 417 articles were initially obtained, and a total of 11 met eligibility criteria. The methodological quality of the selected articles was determined using the PEDro scale, obtaining a 6.5 means. Statistically significant improvements were found in reducing the volume of lymphedema by applying both multilayer bandage and Kinesiotape (KT) (p<0.05), showing very little difference in favor of multilayer bandage. In terms of quality of life, results were similar, but in this case in favor of KT, due to its greater ease of application and comfort in daily life.
Conclusion: The multilayer compressive bandage stands out for its effectiveness in reducing volume and improving quality of life. Meanwhile, KT shows somewhat less effectiveness in terms of volume reduction, but presents more benefits in quality of life because it is more comfortable and improves the psychological side effects associated with this type of bandages and pathologies.
