A comprehensive approach to rehabilitation interventions following breast cancer treatment - a systematic review of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Post-treatment, patients suffer from side effects and have various rehabilitation needs, which means that individualization is fundamental for optimal rehabilitation. This systematic review (SR) of SRs aims to evaluate the current evidence on rehabilitation interventions in female patients following BC treatment. METHODS: Full-text SRs published in English from 2009 were searched in Embase, PubMed, Cinahl Complete, PsycINFO, AMED, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library. INCLUSION CRITERIA: SRs of randomized or non-randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of rehabilitation interventions in women following BC treatment. All outcomes were considered. Methodological quality was evaluated using the AMSTAR 2 tool and interrater agreement was evaluated. Out of 1269 citations retrieved, 37 SRs were included. RESULTS: Five rehabilitation areas were identified: exercise and physical activity (PA), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), yoga, lymphoedema treatment, and psychosocial interventions. The most solid evidence was found in exercise/PA and yoga. Exercise interventions improved outcomes such as shoulder mobility, lymphoedema, pain, fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Effects of yoga were shown on QoL, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms. The effect of CAM was shown on nausea, pain, fatigue, anger and anxiety but these results need to be interpreted with caution because of low methodological quality in included studies in the SRs. Among the lymphoedema treatments, positive effects were seen for resistance training on volume reduction and muscle strength and psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy had positive effects on QoL, anxiety, depression and mood disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: This SR of SRs show solid positive effects of exercise/PA and yoga for women following BC treatment, and provides extended knowledge of the effects of CAM, yoga, lymphoedema treatment and psychosocial interventions. It is evident that more than one intervention could have positive effects on a specific symptom and that the effects depend not only on intervention type but also on how and when the intervention is provided. The results can be used as a foundation for individualized rehabilitation and aid health care professionals in meeting patients' individual needs and preferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ( CRD42017060912 ).

Preliminary evidence of effectiveness of TECAR in lymphedema.

Lymphedema of the lower limbs often contributes to the mobility impairment of morbidly obese patients. Defining novel costeffective protocols is important for reducing treatment costs. The study aimed to assess if Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) can reduce edema and the minimum number of sessions needed to observe volume reduction. Forty-eight severely obese subjects (age range: 46-78 years; BMI >40 kg/m2) with bilateral lower limb lymphedema were divided into three groups undergoing either manual lymphatic drainage, pressure therapy, or TECAR, in addition to a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. They were compared to a control group composed by 12 women (age: 67.4 ± 8.9 years, BMI: 44.6 ± 4.1 Kg/m2) undergoing only the rehabilitation program. A handheld laser scanner 3D system was used for volume measurements. In addition, patients were evaluated with a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and pain/heaviness of the lower limbs with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A significant volume reduction was observed after 6 sessions of TECAR: specifically, in the whole limb (PRE: 9.7+2.8 dm3; POST: 9.4+2.8 dm3; p<0.05) and in the thigh (PRE: 3.5+1.3 dm3; POST: 3.3+1.2 dm3; p<0.05). The TUG and VAS for pain showed a significant improvement in all groups. Our preliminary results suggest that TECAR can provide a relatively early reduction of lower limb edema with improvement of patients' function and pain.

Comparison of the effectiveness of complex decongestive therapy and compression bandaging as a method of treatment of lymphedema in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is a chronic condition which significantly lowers the quality of patient life, particularly among elderly populations, whose mobility and physical function are often reduced. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of multi-layer compression bandaging (MCB) and complex decongestive therapy (CDT), and to show that MCB is a cheaper, more accessible and less labor intensive method of treating lymphedema in elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 103 patients (85 women and 18 men) aged ≥60 years, with unilateral lower limb lymphedema. The subjects were divided into two groups: 50 treated with CDT and 53 with MCB. Pre- and post-treatment BMI, and average and maximum circumference of the edematous extremities were analyzed. RESULTS: Reduction in swelling in both groups was achieved after 15 interventions. Both therapies demonstrated similar efficacy in reducing limb volume and circumference, but MCB showed greater efficacy in reducing the maximum circumference. CONCLUSION: Compression bandaging is a vital component of CDT. Maximum lymphedema reduction during therapy and maintaining its effect cannot be achieved without it. It also demonstrates its effectiveness as an independent method, which can reduce therapy cost and accessibility.

Linfedema facial secundario a enfermedad de morbus Morbihan / Facial lymphedema due to Morbihan disease

El linfedema facial es una patología poco frecuente y suele ser secundario al tratamiento de tumores de cabeza y cuello. La enfermedad de Morbihan es una rara entidad que se caracteriza por la aparición de eritema y edema en el tercio medio y superior de la cara, de consistencia habitualmente dura. Su diagnóstico, valoración y tratamiento es muy complicado. Presentamos el caso de un paciente derivado a consultas de Rehabilitación por edema facial duro y dificultad para apertura ocular. La intervención rehabilitadora junto con el drenaje linfático manual consiguió una mejoría del edema, de la dureza y de la dificultad de la visión, valorado mediante la escala visual analógica. El linfedema facial es una entidad poco frecuente, de difícil valoración y con estudios escasos acerca de su tratamiento. El drenaje linfático manual puede ser una ayuda para mejorar el edema y en consecuencia la calidad de vida de estos pacientes (AU)

Facial lymphedema is an infrequent condition that is often caused by treatment for head and neck cancer. Morbihan disease is a rare entity characterised by the development of erythema and solid oedema in the middle and upper third of the face. The evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of this condition are hugely complicated. We report the case of a male patient who was referred to the rehabilitation department for hard facial oedema and difficulty in opening his eyes. The rehabilitation intervention and manual lymphatic drainage improved the oedema and its consistency, as well as the patient's vision, measured with a visual analogue scale. Facial lymphedema is an unusual entity that is difficult to diagnose. Few studies have been performed of its treatment. Manual lymphatic drainage can be useful to improve the oedema and quality of life of these patients (AU)

Eficacia del tratamiento rehabilitador en mujeres con linfedema posmastectomía / Effectiveness of the rehabilitative treatment in women with postmastectomy lymphedema

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 20 féminas de 40-85 años de edad con linfedema posmastectomía, atendidas en los servicios de rehabilitación de los policlínicos docentes Ramón López Peña y Armando Garc de Santiago de Cuba, desde agosto de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2013, con vistas a evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento rehabilitador, para lo cual se emplearon técnicas rehabilitadoras de drenaje linfático, kinesioterapia, terapia ocupacional y se hicieron evaluaciones evolutivas con escalas de dolor, fuerza muscular, grado articular y funcionalidad. Se obtuvo que 90 [por ciento de las pacientes entre 40-59 años, con menos de 6 meses de evolución clínica, tuvieron mejores resultados al finalizar estudio, por lo que el tratamiento resultó eficaz(AU)

A therapeutic intervention study was carried out in 20 women aged 40-85 with postmastectomy lymphedema, assisted in the rehabilitation services of Ramón López Peña anArmando García Aspuru teaching polyclinics in Santiago de Cuba from August, 2012 to September, 2013, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the rehabilitative treatment, for which rehabilitative techniques of lymphatic drainage, kinesitherapy, occupational therapy were used and evolutive evaluations with pain scales, muscular strength, articular movement and functionality were carried out. It was concluded that 90 percent of the patients aged 40-59, with less than 6 months of clinical course, had better results at the end of the study, so the treatment was effective(AU)

Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy and Adult Cancer Rehabilitation: Part 1. Impact of Physical Activity and Symptom Management Interventions.

This article is the first part of a systematic review of evidence for the effectiveness of cancer rehabilitation interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that address the activity and participation needs of adult cancer survivors. This article focuses on the importance of physical activity and symptom management. Strong evidence supports the use of exercise for cancer-related fatigue and indicates that lymphedema is not exacerbated by exercise. Moderate evidence supports the use of yoga to relieve anxiety and depression and indicates that exercise as a whole may contribute to a return to precancer levels of sexual activity. The results of this review support inclusion of occupational therapy in cancer rehabilitation and reveal a significant need for more research to explore ways occupational therapy can positively influence the outcomes of cancer survivors. Part 2 of the review also appears in this issue.

Linfedema primario en miembro superior asociado a síndrome de Klippel-Trénaunay (displasia angiectasia congénita) / Primary upper limb lymphedema associated with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (congenital dysplastic angiectasia)

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 41 años que se diagnostica de flebolinfedema primario con localización en miembro superior izquierdo asociado a síndrome de Klippel-Trénaunay, que no presentó manifestación clínica hasta los 37 años de edad, momento de aparición de la tríada clínica característica de angiomas cutáneos, varicosidades e hipertrofia de los tejidos blandos. La relevancia de este artículo radica en que se trata de una enfermedad rara y congénita, que se manifiesta en la infancia o adolescencia, con afectación más frecuente en miembros inferiores. Su etiopatogenia es aún desconocida, surgiendo casos esporádicos, aunque se cree que podría ser debido a una alteración en el desarrollo del mesodermo en el feto, que afecta a las líneas angioblásticas, linfoblásticas y osteoblásticas. Es importante conocer los diferentes signos clínicos para un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz, el cual suele ser sintomático y la rehabilitación constituye un pilar fundamental dentro del tratamiento multidisciplinar (AU)

The case is presented of a 41 years old patient with primary lymphedema diagnostic in her left upper limb associated with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome, who did not present any clinical manifestations until 37 years old, time of appearance of the characteristic clinical triad of cutaneous angiomatosis, varicose veins and hypertrophy. The relevance of this article is that it is a rare and congenital disease. This syndrome usually manifests in childhood or adolescence with more frequent involvement of the lower limbs. Its etiopathogeny is still unexplained, emerging sporadic cases, although it is believed it could be due to fetal's mesoderm development alteration, which affecting angioblastic, lymphoblastoid and osteoblastic lines. The importance of an early correct diagnosis and its symptomatic treatment, where rehabilitation has a fundamental role within the multidisciplinary approach is emphasized (AU)

An Integrative Therapeutic Concept for Surgical Treatment of Severe Cases of Lymphedema of the Lower Extremity.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema results from insufficient lymphatic drainage and typically affects the extremities. Recent studies revealed obesity as another cause of extremity lymphedema. Conservative treatment of patients with elephantiastic lymphedema of the lower extremity is limited and often inadequate. Resecting surgery plays an important role in these cases. Here, we investigated the effects of an integrated therapy concept on outcome and complication rates. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcome of 26 patients with elephantiastic lymphedema of the lower limb who underwent a complex decongestive physical therapy (CDP) perioperatively and reduction surgery in our clinic between 1998 and 2011. We subsequently compared these patients (group A) with a control group of 30 patients (group B) who received medial thigh lift due to post-bariatric or aesthetic issues between 2011 and 2013. The incidence of complications, reoperations, blood transfusion, and duration of hospital stay was analyzed. All patients in group A received CDP perioperatively in a specialized lymphological clinic. RESULTS: Both groups are comparable in terms of age and sex. Patients significantly differ in terms of BMI (p < 0.001). Thirty-six reductive procedures were performed in group A and 30 in group B. We did not see any significant difference in the incidence of complications (p = 1.000) and the rate of postoperative blood transfusions (p = 0.116). CONCLUSIONS: We were able to show that an integrative concept including surgery is a good additional option for the treatment of severe cases of lymphedema in appropriate candidates. Furthermore, an adequate perioperative conservative setting helps to minimize possible complications.

[The application of the method of kinesio-taping technique for the combined non-pharmacological rehabilitation of the patients presenting with lymphedema of the lower extremities].

Based on the innovative "kinesio-taping" technique proposed by the Japanese researcher Kenzo Kace, we have designed a new physiotherapeutic complex including the well-known physiotherapeutic methods of lymphatic drainage with intermittent pneumatic compression and underwater massage shower. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficiency of the application of the "kinesio-taping" technique for the non-pharmacological rehabilitative treatment of the patients presenting with stage I-III lymphedema of the lower sextremities. The secondary objective was to evaluate the possibility of correction of endothelial dysfunction in the patients with lymphedema after the application of the "kinesio-taping" technique. The study included 30 patients with stage I-III lymphedema of the lower extremities randomized into two groups. Group 1 was comprised of 15 patients who were consistently treated by a combination of intermittent pneumatic compression, "akinesio-taping", and underwater massage shower. Group 2 contained 15 patients treated with the use of intermittent pneumatic compression and underwater massage shower. The results of study give evidence of positive changes in microcirculation of the patients comprising group 1 that suggest the improvement of endothelial function, vasodilation of precapillaries, enhancement of the blood flow in the microcirculatory system, and reduction of the influence of the ineffective shunting blood flow. The data obtained confirm the effectiveness of the new non-pharmacological rehabilitation complex that includes the innovative lymph-draining method of kinesio-taping, intermittent pneumatic compression and underwater massage shower for the treatment of patients with lymphedema of the lower extremities. The effectiveness of this complex is due to combined stimulation of the lymphatic and venous drainage systems and coupled to the stimulation of blood flow in the microcirculatory bed and the formation of a positive endothelial response.

Eficacia de la fisioterapia en el linfedema posmastectomía / Effectiveness of physiotherapy in postmastectomy lymphedema

Objetivo: Revisar y analizar la evidencia sobre la efectividad de las distintas técnicas fisioterápicas en la reducción del volumen del linfedema asociado a linfadenectomía, y evaluar la mejoría de la sintomatología concomitante y su impacto en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Estrategia de búsqueda y selección de estudios: Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed, PEDro y Cinahl, completando el proceso con una búsqueda manual. Se identificaron 53 artículos y se incluyeron 14 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La calidad metodológica fue evaluada con la escala de Jadad, siendo la de 10 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados aceptable y la de los otros 4 deficiente. Síntesis de resultados: Los estudios contemplan diferentes modalidades terapéuticas utilizadas en el tratamiento del linfedema: drenaje linfático manual, ejercicios terapéuticos, presoterapia, vendaje compresivo, vendaje neuromuscular, hidroterapia, electroestimulación muscular. El drenaje linfático manual es la técnica que mayor eficacia presenta, que se aumenta cuando se combina con otras como los ejercicios terapéuticos, la presoterapia o el vendaje compresivo. No se obtienen datos concluyentes sobre el uso del vendaje neuromuscular, la hidroterapia o la electroestimulación muscular. Conclusión: La fisioterapia aporta técnicas con distinta eficacia demostrada en el tratamiento del linfedema con el objetivo de reducir su volumen, disminuir el dolor, mejorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y la funcionalidad de los sujetos que lo padecen

Objective: To review and analyze the evidence on the effectiveness of different physiotherapy techniques in reducing the volume of lymphedema associated with lymphadenectomy and to assess the improvement of the concomitant symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life. Search strategy and study selection: A search in PubMed, PEDro and Cinahl databases was conducted completing the process with a hand search. A total of 53 papers were identified and 14 randomized clinical trials which met the inclusion criteria were included. Methodology quality was evaluated with the Jadad scale, 10 randomized clinical trials being considered as was acceptable and 4 were deficient. Synthesis of results: Different therapeutic modalities were used in the treatment of lymphedema: Manual lymphatic drainage, exercises therapy, pneumatic compression, compression bandage, Kinesiotaping, hydrotherapy, low-frequency and low-intensity electrotherapy. Manual lymphatic drainage is the technique that had the greatest efficacy. This effectiveness increased when combined with others, for example, with pneumatic compression or compression bandage. The results on the kinesiotaping, hydrotherapy or low-frequency and low-intensity electrotherapy are not conclusive. Conclusion: Some physiotherapy techniques are effective in the treatment of lymphedema to reduce volume, decrease pain, improve health-related quality of life and functionality of patients

Prospective multicentre observational study of lymphedema therapy: POLIT study.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphedema treatment is based on Decongestive Lymphedema Therapy (DLT) with an intensive phase followed by a long-term maintenance phase. This study aimed to observe volume variation over the intensive phase and 6 months later. METHODS: Prospective multicentre observational study of patients with unilateral lymphedema. The primary objective was to assess lymphedema volume variation between baseline, the end of intensive phase and 6 months later. Secondary objectives were to assess the frequency of heaviness limiting limb function and treatments safety predictors for volume reduction. RESULTS: Three hundred and six patients (89.9% women; 59.9±14.3 years old) with upper/lower (n=184/122) limb lymphedema were included. At the end of the intensive phase, median excess lymphedema volume reduction was 31.0% (41.7-19.9) followed by a 16.5% (5.9-42.3) median increase over the 6-month maintenance period phase. Previous intensive treatment was the only significant predictor of this response. As compared to baseline, heaviness limiting limb use was much less frequently reported at the end of the reductive phase (75.5% versus 42.3% respectively), and was more frequent at the end of the maintenance phase (62.6%). The most frequent adverse events reported were skin redness and compression marks (18.4 and 15.7% of patients, respectively). Blisters requiring treatment stoppage were rare (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive phase decreases lymphedema volume and heaviness limiting limb function. The benefit is partially abolished after the first 6 months of maintenance. There is a need to consider how to provide optimal patient care for the long-term control of lymphedema.

Manual lymphatic drainage versus exercise in the early postoperative period for breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of active exercise and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on postoperative wound healing complications, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper limb (UL) perimetry in women undergoing radical mastectomy for breast cancer. METHODS: Controlled non-randomized clinical trial with 89 women undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: 906). Women were matched for staging, age and body mass index, with 46 women allocated to the exercise group and 43 in the MLD group, receiving 2 weekly sessions during one month. Assessments were performed in the preoperative and 60 d after surgery, including inspection, palpation, goniometry and perimetry. RESULTS: No significant difference existed between groups relative to individual and clinical surgical characteristics. The incidence of seroma, number of punctures performed, dehiscence and infection was similar in both groups. A comparison of shoulder ROM and UL perimetry between groups, obtained in the preoperative and postoperative period, did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSION: The performance of active exercise or MLD did not demonstrate difference in wound healing complications, shoulder ROM and UL perimetry at 60 d after surgery, suggesting that these techniques may be employed, according to the complaints or symptoms of each woman and physical therapist experience.

Complementary, alternative, and other noncomplete decongestive therapy treatment methods in the management of lymphedema: a systematic search and review.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To provide a critical analysis of the contemporary published research that pertains to complementary, alternative, and other noncomplete decongestive therapies for treatment of lymphedema (LE), and (2) to provide practical applications of that evidence to improve care of patients with or at risk for LE. TYPE: This study meets the defining criteria as a systematic search and review because it includes varied study types. All studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for weight of evidence and value. LITERATURE SURVEY: The systematic search and review includes articles published in the contemporary literature (2004-2012). Publications published from 2004-2011 were retrieved from 11 major medical indices by using search terms for LE and management approaches. Literature archives were examined through 2012. Data extraction included study design, objectives pertaining to LE, number and characteristics of participants, interventions, and outcomes. Study strengths and weaknesses were summarized. Study evidence was categorized according to the Oncology Nursing Society Putting Evidence into Practice level-of-evidence guidelines after achieving consensus among the authors. No authors participated in development of nor benefitted from the review of these modality methods or devices. METHODOLOGY: Extracted data from 85 studies were reviewed in 4 subcategories: botanical, pharmaceutical, physical agent modality, and modalities of contemporary value. After review, 47 articles were excluded, which left 16 articles on botanicals and pharmaceuticals and 22 articles for physical agent modality and/or modalities of contemporary value. Pharmaceuticals were later excluded. The authors concluded that botanicals had generated sufficient studies to support a second, more specific systematic review; thus, botanicals are reported elsewhere. SYNTHESIS: It was found that limited high-level evidence was available for all categories. Well-constructed randomized controlled trials related specifically to LE were limited. Objective outcome measures over time were absent from several studies. The rationale for the use and benefits of the specific modality, as related to LE, was often anecdotal. Subject numbers were fewer than 50 for most studies. CONCLUSIONS: No interventions were ranked as "recommended for practice" based on the Putting Evidence into Practice guidelines. Two treatment modalities in 3 studies were ranked as "likely to be effective" in reducing LE or in managing secondary LE complications. Consideration should be given that many of the PAMs demonstrate long-standing support within the literature, with broad parameters for therapeutic application and benefit for secondary conditions associated with LE. However, further investigation as to their individual contributory value and the factors that contribute to their efficacy, specific to LE, has not been done. It also is significant to mention that the majority of these studies focused on breast cancer-related LE. Studies that explored treatment interventions for LE-related vascular disorders (eg, chronic venous insufficiency, congenital dysphasia, trauma) were sparse. Limitations of the literature support the recommendations for future research to further examine the level of evidence in these modalities for LE management.

Linfedema pós-mastectomia: um protocolo de tratamento / Post-mastectomy lymphedema: a treatment protocol / Linfedema post-mastectomía: un protocolo de tratamiento

O linfedema ainda é uma das principais sequelas decorrentes do tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de um protocolo que inclui a utilização da estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem (EEAV) associada a ­exercícios ­terapêuticos, automassagem e autocuidados no ­tratamento do linfedema de membros superiores em mulheres submetidas a cirurgia para tratamento do câncer de mama. Participaram do estudo 17 voluntárias (60,9_+11,72 anos) submetidas à mastectomia unilateral, ­portadoras de linfedema de membro superior, homolateral à cirurgia. O tratamento constituiu-se de 14 aplicações da EEAV, duas vezes por semana, complementadas por orientações quanto ao autocuidado, automassagem e exercícios físicos. A evolução do tratamento foi avaliada por perimetria, cálculo da diferença de volume (DV) entre os membros, e percentual de aumento do volume (PAV) do membro afetado em relação ao contralateral. Os dados foram analisados por meio do método estatístico T ­pareado para variáveis dependentes e revelaram redução significativa de 14,13% (p=0,0067) do PAV e de 13,8% (p=0,0089) da DV, bem como da perimetria em três pontos: sete centímetros acima do cotovelo (p=0,0138), sete centímetros abaixo do cotovelo (p=0,0282) e no punho (p=0,0476). Pôde-se concluir que a utilização da estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem associada a exercícios e orientações foi eficaz na redução do linfedema do grupo avaliado...

Lymphedema is still considered as one of the main sequela resulting from surgical treatment of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a protocol that included use of a high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) associated with therapeutic exercises, self-massage, and self-care for the treatment of lymphedema of the upper limbs in women who underwent surgery for breast cancer treatment. This study included 17 volunteers (60.9_+11.72 years of age) submitted to unilateral mastectomy, with lymphedema of the upper limb, ipsilateral to surgery. The treatment consisted of application of 14 HVES, to the patients, twice a week, supplemented by guidance on self-care, self-massage, and physical exercises. The evolution of this treatment was assessed by perimetry, calculation of the volume difference (VD) between the limbs, and calculation of the volume increase percentage (VIP) of the affected limb compared to the contralateral limb. Data were analyzed using the statistical method for paired T and dependent variables, which showed a significant reduction of 14.13% (p=0.0067) in VIP and 13.8% (p=0.0089) in VD, as well as perimetry at the following three points: 7 cm above the elbow (p=0.0138), 7 cm below the elbow (p=0.0282), and at the wrist (p=0.0476). It was concluded that the use of HVES associated with the exercises and guidance on ­self-care and self-massage was effective to reduce the lymphedema in the evaluated group...

El linfedema todavía es una de las principales secuelas derivadas del tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de mama. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de un protocolo que incluye la utilización de estimulación eléctrica de alto voltaje (EEAV) asociada a ejercicios terapéuticos, automasajes y autocuidados en el tratamiento del linfedema de miembros superiores en mujeres sometidas a cirugía para el tratamiento de cáncer de mama. Participaron del estudio 17 voluntarias (60,9±11,72 años) sometidas a mastectomía unilateral, portadoras de linfedema de miembro superior, ipsilateral a la cirugía. El tratamiento consiste en 14 aplicaciones de EEAV, dos veces por semana, complementadas por orientaciones en el autocuidado, automasaje y ejercicios físicos. La evolución del tratamiento fue evaluada por perímetros, cálculo de la diferencia de volumen (DV) entre los miembros y porcentaje de aumento del volumen (PAV) del miembro afectado en relación al contralateral. Los datos fueron analizados por medio del método estadístico T pareado para variables dependientes y revelaron reducción significativa de 14,13% (p=0,0067) del PAV y de 13,8% (p=0,0089) del DV, también en los perímetros en tres puntos: siete centímetros encima del codo (p=0,0138), siete centímetros abajo del codo (p=0,0282) y en la muñeca (p=0,0476). Se puede concluir que la utilización de la estimulación eléctrica de alto-voltaje asociada a ejercicios y orientaciones fue eficaz en la reducción del linfedema del grupo evaluado...

Diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with variations in diagnosis and rehabilitation treatments received by women with self-reported lymphedema resulting from breast cancer care. DESIGN: A large, population-based, prospective longitudinal telephone survey. SETTING: California, Florida, Illinois, and New York. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly (65+ years) women identified from Medicare claims as having had an incident breast cancer surgery in 2003. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported incidence of lymphedema symptoms, formal diagnosis of lymphedema, treatments for lymphedema. RESULTS: Of the 450 breast cancer survivors with lymphedema who participated in the study, 290 (64.4%) were formally diagnosed with the condition by a physician. An additional 160 (35.6%) reported symptoms consistent with lymphedema (ie, arm swelling on the side of surgery that is absent on the contralateral arm) but were not formally diagnosed. Of those who reported being diagnosed by a physician, 39 (13.4%) received complete decongestive therapy that included multiple components of treatment (ie, manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging with short stretch bandages, the use of compression sleeves, skin care, and remedial exercises); 24 (8.3%) were treated with manual lymphatic drainage only; 162 (55.9%) used bandages, compression garments, or a pneumatic pump only; 8 (2.8%) relied solely on skin care or exercise to relieve symptoms; and 65 (22.4%) received no treatment at all. Multivariate regressions revealed that race (African American), lower income, and lower levels of social support increased a woman's probability of having undiagnosed lymphedema. Even when they were formally diagnosed, African American women were more likely to receive no treatment or to be treated with bandages/compression only rather than to receive the multimodality, complete decongestive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphedema is a disabling chronic condition related to breast cancer treatment. Our results suggest that a substantial proportion of persons reporting symptoms were not formally diagnosed with the condition, thereby reducing their opportunity for treatment. The variation in rehabilitation treatments received by women who were formally diagnosed with the condition by a physician suggests that lymphedema might not have been optimally addressed in many cases despite the availability of effective interventions.

[Conservative lymphedema therapy - lymphological rehabilitation treatment]. / Konservative Therapie des Lymphödems - Lymphologische Rehabilitationsbehandlung.

The most important column in the conservative lymphedema therapy still represents the complex decongestive physical therapy/KPE.This is a multimodal therapy, which consists of four components. (1) skin restoration and/or skin care, (2) manual lymphatic drainage, (3) compression therapy and (4) decongestive exercises. The KPE is also divided into two phases. Phase 1-the decongestion-serves primarily the mobilization and transporting away the banked protein-rich oedema fluid and seamless transition into the Phase 2-the maintenance phase, which serves to preserve the achieved treatment success. The implementation of the KPE should be stage-adjusted, but depends also on the location (genital, head, face), and on co-existing comorbidities (congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, muscular-skeletal disorders, mental illness, etc.). It should be modified for children, elderly persons and for patients with malignant lymphedema.

[Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for lymphedema].

Lymphatic edema could appear in the extremities, in the breasts or anywhere else in the body and restrict function by decreased flexibility and motility, limited extremities' range of motion, feelings of fatigue and heavy swollen limbs, edematous skin changes, sensations of uneasiness and impaired mobility accompanied by psychological stress (due to the chronic nature of the illness and dependency on medical care). We present four case studies that demonstrate integrated management and a combined approach of treatment for patients with lymphatic edema, including aspects of physiotherapy, as part of an integrated rehabilitation service.

Upper-body morbidity after breast cancer: incidence and evidence for evaluation, prevention, and management within a prospective surveillance model of care.

The purpose of this paper is to review the incidence of upper-body morbidity (arm and breast symptoms, impairments, and lymphedema), methods for diagnosis, and prevention and treatment strategies. It was also the purpose to highlight the evidence base for integration of prospective surveillance for upper-body morbidity within standard clinical care of women with breast cancer. Between 10% and 64% of women report upper-body symptoms between 6 months and 3 years after breast cancer, and approximately 20% develop lymphedema. Symptoms remain common into longer-term survivorship, and although lymphedema may be transient for some, those who present with mild lymphedema are at increased risk of developing moderate to severe lymphedema. The etiology of morbidity seems to be multifactorial, with the most consistent risk factors being those associated with extent of treatment. However, known risk factors cannot reliably distinguish between those who will and will not develop upper-body morbidity. Upper-body morbidity may be treatable with physical therapy. There is also evidence in support of integrating regular surveillance for upper-body morbidity into the routine care provided to women with breast cancer, with early diagnosis potentially contributing to more effective management and prevention of progression of these conditions.