The University of Nairobi (UoN) in association with Keyatta National Hospital (KNH) held a weeklong health webinar from 23rd - 26th February, 2026, where various medical issues were discussed from cancer to lymphoedema.
During the KNH-UoN webinar edition held on Wednesday, 25th February, on surgical management for lymphoedema and multidisciplinary approach, Prof. Ferdinand Nangole, from the Department of Surgery at UoN concluded that surgical management of lymphoedema is the ultimate treatment for the condition.
According to Prof. Nangole who was presenting during the webinar, more than 80% of patients who undergo surgery demonstrate reduction in size of extremity of the condition after at least one month post-surgery.
He further added that peak result was evident after 6 months.
Other management processes for the condition discussed were kinesiology taping, compression garments and compression pumps.
According to Suzi Davey, an occupational therapist and expert on lymphoedema management, these methods are only used for management and not treatment, as lymphoedema cannot be cured.
She further added that practicing good self-care like; regular and consistent exercise, skin care like cleaning and moisturizing of the affected area well, were paramount.
Good patient education on the methods of care for affected areas, like proper compression techniques, for example, application of low pressure on affected areas to assist in lymphatic drainage was encouraged.
Patient compliance was urged as good management practice for the condition where patients were urged to observe consistent visits to their healthcare provider for checks, tests and compression garment dressing.
It was further discussed that lymphoedema management is not designated to only one health discipline but it was rather managed through a multidisciplinary approach.
According to Dr. Janet Mwau, a certified lymphoedema therapist, various medical practices are involved in lymphoedema management as the condition affects the whole person.
She further explained that although lymphoedema manifests physically, for example through swelling, the condition not only affects the patient on a physical level but also emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.
Dr. Mwau concluded that the team effort of different professions, from physiotherapy which deals with assessment and education, to mental health and nutrition disciplines where professionals deal with holistic support are crucial in the management of lymphoedema.
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