Application of complex decongestion therapy in patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery

Objective To explore the application effects of complex decongestion therapy (CDT) in patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer treatment. Methods From April 2015 to December 2016, a total of 52 cases of breast cancer patients with postoperative upper limb lymphedema were selected by convenience sampling method and treated with CDT for 1 course (20 times of CDT treatment) . Limb circumference measurements and multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis were applied to evaluate the degeneration degree of edema. Fugl-Meyer and Bathel index were applied to assess the motor function and living ability before and after treatment. Results The differences of circumference of different parts of the affected limb (including thumb web, 5cm proximal to rasceta, 10 cm distal to cubital crease, 10 cm proximal to cubital crease and axilla) before and after intervention were statistically significant (t=20.014, 10.114, 9.190, 6.995, 3.832; P<0.01) . The differences of circumferential ratio and tissue moisture ratio before and after intervention were statistically significant (t=34.058, 22.196; P<0.01) . The score of Fugl-Meyer on patients' limb movement function and the Bathel index both, and the differences were statistically significant (t=28.446, 38.285; P<0.01) . Conclusions CDT is an effective and safe treatment for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, and worthy of clinical promotion. Key words: Breast neoplasms; Lymphedema; Limb function; Integrated lymphatic swelling treatment