[The role of natural medicinal factors in federal and regional recreational zones in the rehabilitation of patients following surgical treatment of pathological periapical tissues and oral cavity phlegmonas].

The necessity of considering the problem with which this paper is concerned arises from the current scientific discussion of the actions of physicians working in municipal healthcare facilities and sanatoria directed toward rehabilitation of patients after surgical treatment of periapical tissues and oral cavity phlegmonas. The study elucidated the mechanism of action of mineral waters (alkaline, sodium hydrocarbonate or boron-containing water with elevated fluorine and chlorine content) extracted from natural deposits of the Belgorod Region and Krasnodar Krai (Territory). It was shown that drinking these waters contributed to the correction of the disturbed balance in the ratio of sodium and potassium ions excreted with urine and to the positive dynamics of serum phosphorus level in the patients included in this study.

Decongestive lymphatic therapy for patients with cancer-related or primary lymphedema.

PURPOSE: A prospective evaluation was undertaken to assess the efficacy of intensive, short-term decongestive lymphatic therapy coupled with focused patient instruction in long-term self-care for the management of lymphedema. METHODS: The therapeutic responses of 79 patients with lymphedema were analyzed prospectively. Each patient received intensive, short-term decongestive lymphatic therapy, with quantification of the extent and durability of the clinical response. Decongestive lymphatic therapy was performed by therapists trained in these techniques. The mean (+/-SD) duration of therapy was 8+/-3 days. Instruction in self-management techniques was incorporated into the therapeutic regimen by day 3 of the patient's treatment. The mean period of follow-up was 38+/-52 days. Changes in the volume of the affected limb were assessed with a geometric approximation derived from serial measurements of circumference along the axis of the limb. RESULTS: The mean short-term reduction in limb volume was 44%+/-62% of the excess volume in the upper extremities and 42%+/-40% in the lower extremities. At follow-up, these results were adequately sustained: mean long-term excess volume reductions of 38%+/-56% (upper extremities) and 41%+/-27% (lower extremities) were observed. CONCLUSION: Decongestive lymphatic therapy, combined with long-term self-management, is efficacious in treating patients with lymphedema of the extremity.