EFFECTIVENESS OF HOME BASED DECONGESTIVE LYMPHATIC THERAPY FOLLOWING AXILLARY LYMPH NODE DISSECTION AMONG BREAST CANCER SURGERY PATIENTS

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lymphedema is abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid in skin due to malfunction of lymphatic system. After axillary lymph node dissection breast surgery lymphedema of involved arm is one of the complications. So the aim of current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of home based decongestive lymphatic therapy on lymphedema and range of motion.

Methods:

A quasi experimental study was conducted on 100 female patients who have undergone axillary lymph node dissection in Shuakat khanum Memorial hospital Lahore. Study period was from March 2017 to September 2017. Sampling technique utilized was non probability convenience sampling. Written informed consent was taken from each patient. Patients were trained to do self massage and self lymphatic drainage technique once a day. Exercises were instructed to the patients keeping diaphragmatic exercises in between. Girth measurement was assessed pre and post operatively using calibrated tape. Range of motion was measured pre and post operatively through goniometer. Measurement was taken at baseline, and on 1st day, 10th day and 4th week of treatment. Effectiveness of home based decongestive lymphatic therapy was assessed through repeated measure ANOVA.

Results:

Home based decongestive lymphatic therapy showed statistically significant changes in arm and forearm circumference (p value < 0.05). Significant increase in degree of shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, shoulder external rotation and shoulder internal rotation was observed after home based treatment (p value < 0.001)

Conclusion:

Home based lymphatic decongestive therapy proved to be effective in improving shoulder range of motion and reducing lymphaedema post breast cancer surgery.

KEYWORDS:

Arm circumference Home based decongestive lymphatic therapy, lymphedema,

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