The Effectiveness of Prophylactic Compression Sleeves in Reducing the Risk of Lymphedema in Patients Who Receive Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review

Lymphedema is a common complication after breast cancer surgery, often causing functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Prophylactic compression sleeves have been suggested as a preventive strategy, but their effectiveness remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate whether early use of compression sleeves lowers the risk of lymphedema in this population. Comprehensive searches of major medical databases were performed, and eligible studies were analyzed. The findings showed that prophylactic compression sleeves did not significantly reduce the incidence of lymphedema compared with standard care. Some studies reported smaller increases in arm volume among sleeve users, but these results were inconsistent. Overall, compression sleeves appear to have limited value for lymphedema prevention, though they may provide modest benefit in reducing early swelling. Further high-quality research is needed to establish clear recommendations for clinical practice.