Predicting the Effect of Complex Physical Therapy: Utility of Manual Lymph Drainage Performed on Lymphoscintigraphy

Objective: To evaluate the utility of manual lymph drainage (MLD) during lymphoscintigraphy (LS) in predicting the effect of complex physical therapy (CPT). Method: Forty seven patients were included in this study. MLD was done for 30 minutes after one hour LS image was obtained. 24 patients were followed up for 36 months. According to one hour LS image, patients were assigned to visible lymph node or lymphatic vessel group (Either group) and invisible lymph node and lymphatic vessel group (Neither group), and also according to LS changes after MLD, good and poor response group. The limb volume was checked before, and immediately after CPT, and at 1 month and 36 months after CPT. The treatment response was evaluated by percent volume reduction (PVR). Results: There were no significant differences in volume reduction between Either group and Neither group. Otherwise, good response group showed significantly greater volume reduction after CPT than poor response group. Mean PVR in the good response group was 37.02% immediately after CPT, 41.2% at 1 month after CPT, and 47.4% at 36 months after CPT. Mean PVR in the poor response group was 19.22% immediately after CPT, 13.0% at 1 month after CPT, and 5.21% at 36 months after CPT. Conclusion: LS changes after MLD reflected the effects of CPT more accurately than one hour LS image.