Benefits Of Compression Therapy BEFORE Prostate Cancer Surgery

Many oncologists and lymphedema specialists today are recommending compression therapy BEFORE prostate cancer surgery, to help improve lymphatic function, reduce baseline swelling, and prepare tissues for recovery.

Benefits Of Pre-Surgical Compression

Pre-surgical compression is about helping to prevent lymphedema, not treating it. This new approach is part of a growing trend in cancer care that focuses on enhancing supportive therapy before surgery, radiation, and other medical treatments. This proactive approach can help optimize outcomes and reduce complications.

Compression therapy before prostate cancer surgery can:

strengthen lymphatic flow (making post-surgical drainage more efficient)
reduce the risk or severity of post-op lymphedema
improve tissue resilience and healing capacity
familiarize you with the compression garments used during therapy

What Is Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic condition in which lymph fluids build up in your tissues and cause swelling. Lymphedema can often occur when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked (due to surgery, radiation, infection, or injury).

Why Does Lymphedema Often Develop AFTER Prostate Cancer Surgery

Lymphedema often develops after prostate cancer surgery because the procedure may include removal of or damage to pelvic lymph nodes. When these nodes are removed or damaged during prostate cancer surgery, the normal flow of lymph fluid is disrupted. This causes lymph fluid to accumulate in nearby tissues – typically in the legs (lymphedema of the legs), lower abdomen, groin, and scrotum (genital lymphedema) – which leads to swelling. Radiation therapy can also damage lymphatic vessels and increase the risk of lymphedema.

How Is Lymphedema Treated

There is no cure for lymphedema, only treatments, and one of the most common treatments is compression therapy. Compression garments (such as compression stockings, compression shorts, and compression pantyhose) help move lymph fluid out of affected areas.

How Does Compression Help Treat Lymphedema

When consistent pressure is applied to areas that have been affected by lymphedema, the compression can:

promote lymphatic drainage (by pushing fluid out of swollen tissues and into working lymph vessels)
prevent fluid buildup
reduce swelling and discomfort
help soften fibrotic (hardened) tissue

How Can Compression Help Prevent Lymphedema

Oncologists and lymphedema specialists are now recommending compression therapy BEFORE prostate cancer surgery, as a form of “prehab,” and there are several reasons for this.

For starters, gentle compression before prostate cancer surgery can help improve lymphatic flow and reduce any existing fluid retention or mild swelling. Pre-surgery compression can also strengthen the skin and tissue, which can help them better tolerate post-treatment inflammation and/or trauma.

While compression therapy before surgery may not entirely prevent lymphedema, it can lower the risk and the severity of lymphedema after surgery. Patients who have undergone prehab before prostate cancer surgery have reported less post-surgical swelling, easier recovery, and less anxiety.

Levels Of Compression In Lymphedema Garments

The most common levels of compression in lymphedema garments are:

Light Compression: 8-15 mmHg, typically used for mild swelling and early-stage prevention.
Mild Compression: 15-20 mmHg, typically used for mild lymphedema. This is the level of compression that oncologists and lymphedema specialists often recommend pre-surgery.
Moderate Compression: 20-30 mmHg, typically used for early-stage lymphedema.
Firm Compression: 30-40 mmHg, typically used for more advanced or persistent lymphedema.
Extra-Firm Compression: 40-50+ mmHg, typically used for severe lymphedema.

Note that mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury, and it is a measurement for a unit of pressure. The mmHg number indicates how “tight” the compression garment is – the lower the number, the lower the pressure and level of support.

Types Of Compression Garments For Prostate Cancer Surgery

The most common types of compression garments that are worn AFTER prostate cancer surgery include:

compression stockings (knee high stockings or thigh high stockings)
compression pantyhose (which provide full leg coverage, with abdominal support)
compression shorts (which target swelling in the upper thigh, buttocks, and groin area)

Your oncologist can make recommendations for which types of compression garments would be best to wear BEFORE surgery – to help optimize your lymphatic function and give you the best chance for a smooth recovery!