<p>In 1999, the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement (CBO) organised a task force on lymphoedema to evaluate the current literature and to propose evidence- and expert-based recommendations suitable for the national implementation of guidelines for the treatment of lymphoedema. Representatives from national medical scientific organisations (e.g. surgery, gynaecology, radiotherapy, dermatology, and others), paramedical associations and patient support groups worked for two years to create the first national guidelines for the management of the condition.</p>
