The results of treating chronic lymnphedema using microwave heating ar
e described in 45 patients with postmastectomy lymphedema of the upper
extremity. Forty-five patients showed a significant (p < 0.01) reduct
ion in the amount of peripheral edema after two courses of treatment.
The incidence and severity of secondary acute inflammation (erysipelas
) were also sharply reduced (p < 0.01). The elasticity of the soft tis
sue was restored.