Effect of Bandage Compliance on Upper Extremity Volume in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 553-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gülbin Ergin ◽  
Ertan Şahinoğlu ◽  
Didem Karadibak ◽  
Tuğba Yavuzşen
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Diagnostic Criteria for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity: The Need for Universal Agreement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara W. Kassamani ◽  
Cheryl L. Brunelle ◽  
Tessa C. Gillespie ◽  
Madison C. Bernstein ◽  
Loryn K. Bucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

scholarly journals The effects of complex decongestive therapy on kinesthetic sense of hands, upper extremity function, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-217
Author(s):  
Hilal Yeşil ◽  
Sibel Eyigör ◽  
Menekşe İnbat ◽  
Ferah Bulut
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Kinesthetic Sense ◽  
Extremity Function ◽  
Eortc Qlq C30 ◽  
Upper Extremity Function ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema ◽  
Eortc Qlq

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on the kinesthetic sense of hands, upper extremity function, and the quality of life in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Patients and methods: Between August 2018 and August 2019, total of 50 women with BCRL (mean age: 56.5±9.6 years; range, 36 to 71 years) were included in the study. Kinesthetic sense of the hand, upper extremity function (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]), quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire [EORTC QLQ-C30]), and arm volume of all patients were evaluated before and after the treatment. All patients received CDT for 20 sessions for 1 h over a total of four weeks. Results: A statistically significant decrease in the volume of the involved extremity was observed after the treatment (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in the symptom score (p<0.001) and a significant improvement in the general health status and functional scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 (p<0.001 and p=0.012, respectively). The DASH scores and visual and kinesthetic sense scores of the patients significantly improved after the treatment (p=0.016, p=0.008, and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our study results show that BCRL is a serious complication which may lead to impairment in the kinesthetic sense of hand and upper extremity function with the increased arm volume. The CDT is an effective and safe method not only to achieve significant volume reduction in the extremities, but also to achieve favorable results in managing these problems.

Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis for Patients with Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity at Siriraj Hospital: A Quantitative Analysis Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 620-628
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Skin Care ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Arm Circumference ◽  
Siriraj Hospital ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema ◽  
Elastic Stocking ◽  
Elastic Bandage

Background: Lymphedema occurrence in patients that underwent breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) treatment can become a major problem. Over the past decade, lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has become widely utilized. This surgery replicates the body’s system by creating a connection between the lymphatic tracts and the venous system and replaces a damaged lymphatic system caused by the consequences from BCRL. Objective: To analyze the results of LVA surgery targeting particularly the upper extremity areas from BCRL patients at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was based on the medical records of patients that underwent LVA surgery between January 2010 and August 2018. Lymphoscintigraphy examination (⁹⁹ᵐTc-dextran lymphoscintigraphy) or ICG lymphography was performed to confirm the physician’s diagnosis. The present study aimed to compare the arm circumference size and the rate of infection of patients between the pre-surgery and post-surgery of LVA. Results: One hundred eighteen patients underwent the LVA operation and were included in the study. They had an average of 3.2±1.3 anastomoses. The average duration for the follow-up after surgery was 32 weeks. The different sizes in both arms were 5.8±1.6 cm and 5.5±1.4 cm, which were measured from 10 centimeters above and below the elbows, respectively. Comparing the sizes of the arms based on pre-surgery and post-surgery measurements, the arm circumference decreased by 0.9±0.6 centimeters (15.5%) and 0.9±0.4 centimeters (16.4%) post-surgery for the position above and below the elbow, respectively. The number of infections decreased from 1.9±0.8 times per year to 0.8±0.1 times per year. However, it was found that the rate of applying skin-care treatments in patients was relatively low at 3.4%. Conclusion: The authors’ revealed that LVA surgery of the upper extremity is one of the most effective treatments for lymphedema patients. According to the authors experience in Siriraj Hospital, this treatment is not only decreasing the size of the limb, but it can also minimize the infection rate. However, most patients note that other additional treatments, such as elastic bandage, elastic stocking, or skin-care treatment, are still necessary. Keywords: Lymphedema, Lymphatic obstruction, Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema (BCRL), Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA)

ASO Visual Abstract: Diagnostic Criteria for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity—The Need for Universal Agreement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara W. Kassamani ◽  
Cheryl L. Brunelle ◽  
Tessa C. Gillespie ◽  
Madison C. Bernstein ◽  
Loryn K. Bucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema
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