The author discusses the indications and
contraindication of compression. The study of auto-
immune complexes in the circulating blood has shown a significant increase in
lymphedema patients with
erysipeloid inflammations and a definite increase, but less marked, in
lymphedema patients without a past history of
fever. Then, the compression values are studied in the 5 stages of the treatment of
lymphedema by compression: elevation with Thuasne 18 bandages, Lymphapress and if necessary Tubing (always
general anesthesia) limited to the leg. For the thigh, lymphatic "drainage" is recommended. Then comes the walking
bandage (non elastic !). Once the
edema has disappeared,
elastic stockings (compression e.g. 60 mm at the level of the malleolus) are custom made. Statistics of 57 cases, where the regular replacement of the stockings after 9 to 13 years was controlled, conclude the study.