The lymphedema diagnosis and treatment cost saving act and steps must be double checked.

Apr 2013

Ferguson H, Llanos EB, Bruce SD.

Source

Lymphedema Advocacy Group, Charlotte, NC.

Abstract

Lymphedema is a chronic medical condition that results in the swelling of any part or parts of the body when the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes are damaged or inadequate. In the United States, cancer treatments (e.g., surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy) are the leading cause of secondary lymphedema. Oncology nurses play an important role in ensuring that patients with secondary lymphedema receive timely diagnoses with implementation of a proper treatment plan. Under- or untreated lymphedema is progressive and can lead to infection, disfigurement, disability, and death. Therefore, if the disease is not identified and treated in the earlier stages, patient prognosis is worse and treatment more costly.

PubMed

Ultrasound elastography as an objective diagnostic measurement tool for lymphoedema of the treated breast in breast cancer patients following breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy.

Ultrasound elastography as an objective diagnostic measurement tool for lymphoedema of the treated breast in breast cancer patients following breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy.

2012

Adriaenssens N, Belsack D, Buyl R, Ruggiero L, Breucq C, De Mey J, Lievens P, Lamote J.

Source

Physical Therapy Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium ; Physical Therapy Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Lymphoedema of the operated and irradiated breast is a common complication following early breast cancer treatment. There is no consensus on objective diagnostic criteria and standard measurement tools. This study investigates the use of ultrasound elastography as an objective quantitative measurement tool for the diagnosis of parenchymal breast oedema. 

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 

The elasticity ratio of the subcutis, measured with ultrasound elastography, was compared with high-frequency ultrasound parameters and subjective symptoms in twenty patients, bilaterally, prior to and following breast conserving surgery and breast irradiation. 

RESULTS: 

Elasticity ratio of the subcutis of the operated breast following radiation therapy increased in 88.9% of patients, was significantly higher than prior to surgery, unlike the non operated breast and significantly higher than the non operated breast, unlike preoperative results. These results were significantly correlated with visibility of the echogenic line, measured with high-frequency ultrasound. Big preoperative bra cup size was a significant risk factor for the development of breast oedema. 

CONCLUSIONS: 

Ultrasound elastography is an objective quantitative measurement tool for the diagnosis of parenchymal breast oedema, in combination with other objective diagnostic criteria. Further research with longer follow-up and more patients is necessary to confirm our findings.

PubMed

Omental flap for treatment of long standing lymphoedema of the lower limb: can it end the suffering? Report of four cases with review of literatures.

Feb 2013

Attash SM, Al-Sheikh MY.

Source

Department of Surgery, Ninava Medical College, Mosul University, Mosul, Iraq.

Abstract

We report our experience of four cases of long-standing unilateral, secondary lymphoedema of the lower limb, for which conservative treatment has failed, that were treated in our centre using pedicled omental flap. The four patients were followed for a period of 1 year after the procedures and frequent measurements of the circumference of the affected limb revealed a reduction in the circumference ranging between 50% in the first patient to 75% in the fourth patient together with an excellent functional improvement in terms of resuming walking, daily activities, sports and work. We think that pedicled omental flap is an important, relatively easy and safe option that deserves consideration in refractory cases of lymphoedema of the lower limb.

BMJ Case Reports

Complete decongestive therapy for treatment of lymphedema.

Feb 2013

Lasinski BB.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To summarize current evidence on the management of lymphedema and to provide management recommendations.

DATA SOURCES:

Eleven databases, including PubMed and CINAHL from 2004-2011.

CONCLUSION:

Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is effective in reducing lymphedema, although the contribution of each individual complete decongestive therapy component has not been determined. In general, levels of evidence for complete decongestive therapy are mid-level.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE:

Oncology nurses and health care providers play key roles in assessing needs and prescribing interventions to support patients with lymphedema from admission to discharge. Reviewing risk-reduction strategies and supporting the patient with lymphedema to continue self-care when undergoing medical treatment empowers patients to be proactive in health maintenance. Identifying potential problems and making appropriate referral to a lymphedema specialist avoids triggering or worsening lymphedema.

Elsevier - Oncology Nursing

Synergic Effect of Compression Therapy and Controlled Active Exercises Using a Facilitating Device in the Treatment of Arm Lymphedema

2012

Maria de Fátima Guerreiro Godoy,  Maria Regina Pereira,  Antonio Helio Oliani,  and  Jose Maria Pereira de Godoy

ABSTRACT

^{Trial design:} 

^{A randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effect of the combination of compression therapy with active exercising using a facilitating apparatus on arm lymphedema.} 

^Method:

^{Twenty women with a mean age of 63.3 years were evaluated; all had arm lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment. The inclusion criterion was a difference of 200 mL in size between arms. The apparatus used, called 'pulley system', is a vertical iron wheel fixed on a support at a distance of 10 cm from the patient's body. Participants were submitted to two series of active exercises using this facilitating device, one series using a compression sleeve and the other without.} 

^{Each series consisted of four 12-minute sessions of exercises separated by 3-minute rest intervals. Volumetry was performed before and after each series of exercises. The paired t-test was utilized for statistical analysis (p-value < 0.05).} 

^Results: 

^{A significant mean reduction (p-value < 0.007) and non-significant mean increase (p-value < 0.2) in volumes were observed during exercising with and without compression, respectively.} 

^Conclusion: 

^{Controlled active exercising utilizing a facilitating apparatus while wearing a compression sleeve reduces the size of  lymphedematous arms.}

^{Read the full text article:}

^{NIH - International Journal of Medical Sciences}

Complications of Autologous Lymph-node Transplantation for Limb Lymphoedema.

2012

Vignes S, Blanchard M, Yannoutsos A, Arrault M.

Source

Department of Lymphology, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires Rares (lymphœdèmes primaires), Hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 15, rue Eugène Millon, 75015 Paris, France. Electronic address: stephane.vignes@cognacq-jay.fr.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to assess potential complications of autologous lymph-node transplantation (ALNT) to treat limb lymphoedema.

DESIGN:

Prospective, observational study.

METHOD:

All limb-lymphoedema patients, followed up in a single lymphology department, who decided to undergo ALNT (January 2004-June 2012) independently of our medical team, were included.

RESULTS:

Among the 26 patients (22 females, four males) included, 14 had secondary upper-limb lymphoedema after breast-cancer treatment and seven had secondary and five primary lower-limb lymphoedema. Median (interquartile range, IQR) ages at primary lower-limb lymphoedema and secondary lymphoedema onset were 18.5 (13-30) and 47.4 (35-58) years, respectively. Median body mass index (BMI) was 25.9 (22.9-29.3) kg m(-2). For all patients, median pre-surgery lymphoedema duration was 37 (24-90) months. Thirty-four ALNs were transplanted into the 26 patients, combined with liposuction in four lower-limb-lymphoedema patients. Ten (38%) patients developed 15 complications: six, chroniclymphoedema (four upper limb, two lower limb), defined as ≥2-cm difference versus the contralateral side, in the limb on the donor lymph-node-site territory, persisting for a median of 40 months post-ALNT; four, post-surgical lymphocoeles; one testicular hydrocoele requiring surgery; and four with persistent donor-site pain. Median (IQR) pre- and post-surgicallymphoedema volumes, calculated using the formula for a truncated cone, were, respectively, 1023 (633-1375) ml (median: 3 (1-6) months) and 1058 (666-1506) ml (median: 40 (14-72) months; P = 0.73).

CONCLUSION: ALNT may engender severe, chronic complications, particularly persistent iatrogenic lymphoedema. Further investigations are required to evaluate and clearly determine its indications.

European Journal of Vascuar & Endovascular Surger

The efficacy of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) and predictive factors of lymphedema severity and response to CDP in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).

The efficacy of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) and predictive factors of lymphedema severity and response to CDP in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).

Jan 2013

Liao SF, Li SH, Huang HY, Chen ST, Kuo SJ, Chen DR, Wei TS.

Source

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Changhua Christian Hospital, 135 Nanxiao Street, Changhua 500, Taiwan. Electronic address: sueliao3@gmail.com.

Abstract

BCRL is the most common morbidity in women with breast cancer. We performed a retrospective analysis of 107 BCRL patients to identify the efficacy of CDP and the predictors of lymphedema severity and response to CDP. The patients received 12 sessions of CDP, the duration of lymphedema was 22.4 months, and 56% of BCRL occurred within 2 years after surgery. Lymphedema severity, baseline and post-CDP percentage of excess volume (PEV), was 27.7% and 14.9%. The baseline PEV was correlated with the duration of lymphedema. The CDP efficacy, percentage reduction of excess volume (PREV), was 50.5%, and was correlated with PEV, duration of lymphedema and age. Baseline lymphedemaseverity was the most important predictive factor for CDP efficacy. The breast cancer therapy characteristics did not affect PEV or PREV. This study showed the effectiveness of an intensive CDP interventions. The key to predicting successfullymphedema treatment is the baseline PEV.

Elsevier