From the Guidelines
Treatment for postoperative arm swelling should prioritize elevation, compression, and gentle movement to reduce inflammation and promote circulation, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Recommendations
- Elevation of the affected arm above heart level to reduce swelling
- Application of cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in a thin cloth for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours during the first 48-72 hours to reduce inflammation and pain
- Gentle movement of the fingers and wrist (if not contraindicated by the surgeon) to promote circulation and reduce fluid buildup
- Use of compression sleeves or bandages to apply gentle pressure and prevent fluid accumulation, as recommended by a healthcare provider
- Proper hydration and a low-sodium diet to reduce overall fluid retention
Management and Prevention
- Patients who develop clinical symptoms or swelling suggestive of lymphedema should be referred to a therapist knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema, as suggested by 1
- Supervised, slowly progressive resistance training may be safe and effective for breast cancer survivors with regard to lymphedema development, as noted in 1
- Obesity is a risk factor for lymphedema, and physicians should recommend weight loss for those who are overweight or obese, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a normal weight, as mentioned in 1
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Swelling typically improves within 1-2 weeks but may persist longer depending on the surgical procedure
- Contact a healthcare provider if experiencing increasing pain, redness, warmth, fever, drainage from the incision site, or if swelling worsens rather than gradually improving, as these could indicate infection or other complications requiring prompt medical attention, as advised in the example answer guided by 1
From the Research
Postoperative Arm Swelling Treatment
- Compression therapy is a common approach to manage lymphoedema, which can cause postoperative arm swelling 2
- A study found that device-based negative pressure treatment can reduce postoperative swelling in upper extremity injuries, with a significant reduction in swelling on the first 5 days after surgery 3
- Compression sleeves can also be used to prevent early postoperative arm swelling and lymphedema manifestation after axillary lymph node interventions in breast cancer patients 4
- Adjustable Velcro wraps can be used as a single therapeutic modality for treatment of lymphedema in the absence of complex physical therapy facilities 5
- Compression therapy, such as elastic compression stockings, can reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome, which can cause chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected limb 6
Treatment Options
- Compression therapy: using compression bandages or sleeves to reduce swelling
- Negative pressure treatment: using a device to apply negative pressure to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Adjustable Velcro wraps: using adjustable wraps to provide compression and support to the affected area
- Elastic compression stockings: using stockings to provide compression and support to the affected area
Key Findings
- Compression therapy can reduce postoperative arm swelling and lymphedema manifestation
- Negative pressure treatment can reduce postoperative swelling in upper extremity injuries
- Adjustable Velcro wraps can be used as a single therapeutic modality for treatment of lymphedema
- Elastic compression stockings can reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome