Clinical audit of a lymphoedema bandaging system: a foam roll and cohesive short stretch bandages.

OBJECTIVE Late-stage lymphoedema is characterised by chronic swelling, shape distortion, inflammatory processes and tissue fibrosis. Our aim was to perform a clinical audit of a lymphoedema compression bandaging system (Rosidal Soft foam roll layer and figure-of-eight application of Actico cohesive inelastic bandages) specifically designed for patients with late stage lower limb lymphoedema. METHOD The audit explored suitability of the bandaging system, benchmarking limb volume changes with research evidence, and reporting patient and practitioner evaluations. RESULTS A mean reduction (33%) in excess limb volume was reported for the 11 patients with unilateral lymphoedema who completed a course of bandaging over 12 days. Mean percentage reduction of absolute limb volume after treatment was 8%. Patient and practitioner evaluations indicated the suitability of this bandage system for patients with late stage lymphoedema in terms of comfort and effectiveness. CONCLUSION The bandaging system is suitable for patients with late stage chronic swelling. Two parameters for calculating change in limb volume are not interchangeable. Future evaluation of the bandaging system, using validated outcome measures within a comprehensive research study is required. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Activa Healthcare provided financial support to the project and supplied the materials.