The lymphatic system, which consists of a large vascular network, plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance by filtering plasma containing protein, water and waste products from the interstitial space and returning them to the systemic bloodstream. Lymphedema is a disease that occurs when the protein-rich interstitial fluid accumulates abnormally in the subcutaneous area as a result of the disruption of lymphatic circulation due to insufficiency of the lymphatic vessels or valves, whether congenital or acquired. Lymphedema is classified as primary or secondary based on the underlying etiology. Primary lymphedema is associated with genetic and familial abnormalities in lymphatic structures or functions. Secondary lymphedema is attributed to exogenous causes that invasively disrupt the lymphatic system. Typical invasive cases include lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, trauma, chronic infection, inflammation, and filariasis. Lymphedema not only increases the risk of infection and causes fibrokeratinous changes, but also reduces quality of life by causing serious functional limitations and psychological problems. In the vast majority of cases of secondary lymphedema of the upper extremities, the underlying disease is breast cancer.

Diuretics should not be used in the treatment of lymphedema. Although diuretic treatment removes fluid, it does not remove the proteins in the accumulated lymph fluid, thus worsening the symptoms in patients with lymphedema. Complex physical therapy is the main conservative treatment method used in lymphedema. This complex treatment consists of four methods: compression therapy with compression garments, exercise therapy with compression, manual lymph drainage application and skin care. Conservative treatment can provide significant relief from inflammation, volume, and infection. In appropriate cases, successful results are obtained with vascularized lymph node transfer or lymphovenous bypass procedures performed with microsurgical interventions.