Comprehensive draining therapy in the treatment of lymphoedema in women after mastectomy

Marek Woszczak, Katarzyna Syrewicz, Iga Woźniak, Łukasz Goździewicz, Katarzyna Bogacz, Karolina Kossakowska

M. Woszczak, K. Syrewicz, I. Woźniak, Ł. Goździewicz, K. Bogacz, K. Kossakowska – Comprehensive draining therapy in the treatment of lymphoedema in women after mastectomy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2019; 19(4); 28-40

Abstract
Introduction. Breast cancer is one of the most dangerous malignancies tumor, and the incidence of this disease is still growing. As a result of treatment and related removal or impairment of lymph node structure, a frequent complication is lymphoedema. There are many methods of treatment, however, the most recommended and currently the most effective is a complex decongestive therapy.
Purpose of this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complex decongestive therapy, its influence on the reduction of lymphoedema and the improvement of mobility and strength of the upper limb.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a group of 60 women after unilateral mastectomy at the Świętokrzyski Oncology Center in Kielce. The examined patients were divided into two groups: research and control. In the study group consisting of 30 women, KFTU treatments were performed, while other rehabilitation procedures were performed. The therapeutic cycle lasted 10 days. At the beginning and at the end of the treatment, the change in pain severity was assessed on the VAS scale and the range of motion was measured using the goniometric method, the limb circumferences were measured with a centimeter tape and SUR was measured using a dynamometer.
Results. In both groups, after the end of the therapy, all parameters were improved, but in the research group where a complex decongestive therapy was used, the effect was more noticeable. In the study group there was a significant decrease in pain sensation, decreased limb circumference and visible improvement in strength and range of motion.
Conclusions.The use of both methods of treatment brings effects in the form of reduction of lymphatic edema, however, a complex decongestive therapy is a more effective method of improvement.

Key words:
mastectomy, comprehensive draining therapy, lymphoderma

 

 

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