Rinehart-Ayres, M., Fish, K., Lapp, K., Brown, C.N., & Rucker, B. (2010). Use of compression pumps for treatment of upper extremity lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer: A systematic review. Rehabilitation Oncology, 28(1), 10–18.

To assess if compression pumps decrease lymphedema compared with other treatments and to identify recommended parameters for use of compression pumps

Databases searched were MEDLINE, Ovid, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus through January 2007, and hand searching from article references. Key search words were breast cancer, lymphedema, pneumatic compression, compression pumps, intermittent compression, and sequential compression. Studies were included in the review if they

• Had participants with upper-extremity lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment
• Had participants who received compression pump therapy
• Reported pre- and post-treatment lymphedema measurements.

Exclusion criteria were not specified.

Eighty-five articles were retrieved initially. Studies were categorized using Sackett’s levels of evidence. Additional discussion of study information was done, though specific methods were not described.

• A final sample of eight studies was included.
• The eight studies included a total of 727 breast cancer cases.
• Study samples ranged from 15–227.

Among highest level studies, there were no differences between pneumatic compression and no intervention or compression garments or bandages.

There is no evidence that suggests use of intermittent compression pumps is effective in management of lymphedema or is any better than education about arm care and hygiene. There is no consensus about pressures to be used with compression pumps.
 

• The majority of studies were of low quality and had multiple methodological issues.
• Compression pressures used varied greatly as did duration of treatment.

Findings do not support the use of compression pumps for lymphedema management secondary to breast cancer treatment. There is no information to establish appropriate and safe pressure levels for use.