USE OF ELASTIC BANDAGING IN POSTOPERATIVE LYMPHEDEMA FOLLOWING BREAST CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Breast cancer represents an important public health issue and is one of the most prevalent neoplasms among women. Among the complications resulting from surgical treatment, postoperative lymphedema stands out as a condition that compromises upper limb functionality and negatively impacts quality of life. This study aimed to analyze findings in the literature regarding the use of elastic bandaging in the treatment of lymphedema in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases using descriptors related to breast cancer, lymphedema, elastic bandaging, and nursing in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine articles composed the final sample. The results demonstrated that elastic bandaging may contribute to edema reduction, pain improvement, increased range of motion, and greater patient comfort, especially when associated with other therapies. It is concluded that the technique has potential as a complementary strategy in the treatment of post-breast cancer lymphedema, although further studies with greater methodological rigor are needed to strengthen scientificevidence.