OBJECTIVE:Upper limb lymphedema is a common complication after radical mastectomy in patients with breast cancer. In this study, we examined the efficacy of self-manual lymph drainage (MLD) after modified radical mastectomy for the prevention of upper limb lymphedema, scar formation, or shoulder joint dysfunction in breast cancer patients. METHODS:Breast cancer patients scheduled for modified radical mastectomy were randomly apportioned to undergo physical exercise only (PE group, the control; n = 500) or self-MLD as well as exercise (MLD group; n = 500) after surgery. In the PE group, patients started to undertake remedial exercises and progressive weight training after recovery from anesthesia. In the MLD group, in addition to receiving the same treatments as in the PE group, the patients were trained to perform self-MLD on the surgical incision for 10 min/session, 3 sessions/day, beginning after suture removal and incision closure (10 to 30 days after the surgery). Scar formation was evaluated at one week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery, respectively. Upper limb circumference and shoulder abduction were measured 24 h before surgery, and at one week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Compared to those in the PE group, patients in MLD group experienced significant improvements in scar contracture, shoulder abduction, and upper limb circumference. CONCLUSIONS:Self-MLD, in combination with physical exercise, is beneficial for breast cancer patients in preventing postmastectomy scar formation, upper limb lymphedema, and shoulder joint dysfunction.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE:Upper limb lymphedema is a common complication after radical mastectomy in patients with breast cancer. In this study, we examined the efficacy of self-manual lymph drainage (MLD) after modified radical mastectomy for the prevention of upper limb lymphedema, scar formation, or shoulder joint dysfunction in breast cancerpatients. METHODS:Breast cancerpatients scheduled for modified radical mastectomy were randomly apportioned to undergo physical exercise only (PE group, the control; n = 500) or self-MLD as well as exercise (MLD group; n = 500) after surgery. In the PE group, patients started to undertake remedial exercises and progressive weight training after recovery from anesthesia. In the MLD group, in addition to receiving the same treatments as in the PE group, the patients were trained to perform self-MLD on the surgical incision for 10 min/session, 3 sessions/day, beginning after suture removal and incision closure (10 to 30 days after the surgery). Scar formation was evaluated at one week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery, respectively. Upper limb circumference and shoulder abduction were measured 24 h before surgery, and at one week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Compared to those in the PE group, patients in MLD group experienced significant improvements in scar contracture, shoulder abduction, and upper limb circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Self-MLD, in combination with physical exercise, is beneficial for breast cancerpatients in preventing postmastectomy scar formation, upper limb lymphedema, and shoulder joint dysfunction.
Authors: Freerk T Baumann; Alexandra Reike; Michael Hallek; Joachim Wiskemann; Vanessa Reimer Journal: Breast Care (Basel) Date: 2018-05-03 Impact factor: 2.860
Authors: Xia Luo; Yuzhen Chen; Jing Chen; Yue Zhang; Mingfang Li; Chenxia Xiong; Jun Yan Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-09-24 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Janet Douglass; Lukah Dykes; Louise Kelly-Hope; Susan Gordon; Peter Leggat; Ni Ni Aye; San San Win; Tint Wai; Yi Yi Win; Thet Wai Nwe; Patricia Graves Journal: Trop Med Int Health Date: 2019-03-07 Impact factor: 2.622