DRENAGEM LINFÁTICA MANUAL COMO RECURSO FISIOTERAPÊUTICO PARA TRATAMENTO DE LINFEDEMA PÓS MASTECTOMIA – REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Abstract

This article was conducted focusing on the physiology and indications of the manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and presenting it like an excellent therapeutic resource to the treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema along with the physiotherapist's acting. Such approach is necessary because one third of the woman who are submitted to mastectomy progresses with lymphedema of the ipsilateral upper limb. The MLD drains the net surplus that bathe the cells, maintaining the hydric balance of the interstitial spaces, and it is responsible for the evacuations of dejects from the cellular metabolism. The lymphatic system originates in the body's tissue spaces and consists of capillaries, vessels and lymph ducts and respective lymph nodes, having related organs, that are the spleen, tonsils and thymus. Exerts protective function against pathogenic microorganisms, accumulates the functions of conservation of extravasated plasma proteins of the capillaries and lipid's absorption by the intestinal lymphatics. It is represented by three techniques: Foldi, Leduc and Vodder, which are based on the paths of the lymph collectors and lymph nodes. This study is characterized as a bibliographic review where were used books and articles depicting the theme. It is concluded that regular treatment with MLD, whether maintenance or new treatment of post-mastectomy intensive phase may be indicated for mastectomy patients, if the fluid runs from accumulation in the interstitial space, and that to perform the technique, the physiotherapist must know the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, just so you can get the benefits that it provides.