Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
7-5-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
7-5-2024 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Individuals with genital lymphedema can experience gait deviations, urinary/bowel dysfunctions, pain, cellulitis, and reduced quality of life. An important aspect of treatment is the use of compression garments to help with the reduction and/or maintenance phases. It can be difficult to select a compression garment for the genital region due to the function, location, shape, and size of the genitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of off-the-shelf compression shorts with a sex-specific pad insert to maintain the reduction of edema and the health of the tissues for two patients with controlled genital lymphedema. Methods: Patient A is a 69-year-old female with secondary lymphedema, and Patient B is an 18-year-old male with primary scrotal lymphedema. Both are currently wearing compression for ~ 23 hours a day; Patient A wears ~36-46 mmHg custom biker shorts, and Patient B wears foam bandages on the scrotum under 10-21 mmHg custom or off-the-shelf underwear. Both were supplied with a measurement tape and 2 pairs of Mobiderm Intimate Shorts® and pads. Each was to wear the garments for 4 weeks and to complete a daily diary of measurements, compliance, and subjective signs/symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel. Results: Patient A wore her garments an average of 14.3 hours a day, and her circumferences decreased in 2 girth measurements: an average of 30.74% for the mons pubis width and an average of 8% for the pubic rami length. The umbilicus to mons pubis’ average increased by 8%. Patient B wore the garments on average 9 hours a day, and his circumferences increased in 2 girth measurements: 1.5% for the circumference of the scrotum and 4.6% for the poster-anterior length of the scrotum. For subjective responses, neither patient reported any pain associated with the garments. Patient A reported an overall garment satisfaction of 6.98/10 (0=not at all, 10=completely satisfied) and patient B a 2/10. Patient B discontinued the new garment after 3 days due to adverse tissue changes, while Patient A had no adverse effects and continued to wear her garments for the full 4 weeks. Discussion: Finding a garment to fit and address genital lymphedema is difficult. The garments need to be of a breathable fabric, provide appropriate upward compression, easy to don/doff for urination/bowel movements, and be comfortable to wear. This garment was not able to maintain edema reduction and tissue health for Patient B as well as his original compression regiment. Patient A typically wears a high level of compression daily, yet was able to reduce in 2 areas with the lower level of compression with a pad. The movement of the fluid superiorly in her trunk from the new compression garments may account for the increase in her third measurement. Conclusion: Additional research studies need to be completed on these specific garments and, in general, to assist with garment indications and specifications for genital lymphedema.
Embargo Period
6-24-2024
Included in
Compression Garments for Genital Lymphedema: A Case Series
Suwanee, GA
Introduction: Individuals with genital lymphedema can experience gait deviations, urinary/bowel dysfunctions, pain, cellulitis, and reduced quality of life. An important aspect of treatment is the use of compression garments to help with the reduction and/or maintenance phases. It can be difficult to select a compression garment for the genital region due to the function, location, shape, and size of the genitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of off-the-shelf compression shorts with a sex-specific pad insert to maintain the reduction of edema and the health of the tissues for two patients with controlled genital lymphedema. Methods: Patient A is a 69-year-old female with secondary lymphedema, and Patient B is an 18-year-old male with primary scrotal lymphedema. Both are currently wearing compression for ~ 23 hours a day; Patient A wears ~36-46 mmHg custom biker shorts, and Patient B wears foam bandages on the scrotum under 10-21 mmHg custom or off-the-shelf underwear. Both were supplied with a measurement tape and 2 pairs of Mobiderm Intimate Shorts® and pads. Each was to wear the garments for 4 weeks and to complete a daily diary of measurements, compliance, and subjective signs/symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel. Results: Patient A wore her garments an average of 14.3 hours a day, and her circumferences decreased in 2 girth measurements: an average of 30.74% for the mons pubis width and an average of 8% for the pubic rami length. The umbilicus to mons pubis’ average increased by 8%. Patient B wore the garments on average 9 hours a day, and his circumferences increased in 2 girth measurements: 1.5% for the circumference of the scrotum and 4.6% for the poster-anterior length of the scrotum. For subjective responses, neither patient reported any pain associated with the garments. Patient A reported an overall garment satisfaction of 6.98/10 (0=not at all, 10=completely satisfied) and patient B a 2/10. Patient B discontinued the new garment after 3 days due to adverse tissue changes, while Patient A had no adverse effects and continued to wear her garments for the full 4 weeks. Discussion: Finding a garment to fit and address genital lymphedema is difficult. The garments need to be of a breathable fabric, provide appropriate upward compression, easy to don/doff for urination/bowel movements, and be comfortable to wear. This garment was not able to maintain edema reduction and tissue health for Patient B as well as his original compression regiment. Patient A typically wears a high level of compression daily, yet was able to reduce in 2 areas with the lower level of compression with a pad. The movement of the fluid superiorly in her trunk from the new compression garments may account for the increase in her third measurement. Conclusion: Additional research studies need to be completed on these specific garments and, in general, to assist with garment indications and specifications for genital lymphedema.