ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of complex decongestive therapy among patients with postoperative lower extremity lymphedema following treatment for gynecological cancer. Methods A total of 40 patients with secondary lower extremity lymphedema resulting from gynecological cancer treatment received complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) by oncology nursing specialist in the lymphedema rehabilitation clinic between March 2016 to February 2017.Before and after CDP,patients were evaluated by circumferential measurements and multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results After CDP, lymphedema volume decreased from (8 668.30 ± 1 909.23) cm3to (7 599.81 ± 1 297.45)cm3, and the percentage of excess volume (PEV) reduced from 14.10 (5.82-66.86)% to 2.95(0.38-28.56)%, the differences were statistically significant(t=6.909,Z=-5.511,P<0.05).The accumulated edema fluid in tissue decreased from(6.11±1.63)L to (5.06 ± 0.88) L and the rate of extracellular water decreased from (41.15 ± 1.86)% to (39.51 ± 0.88)%, the differences were statistically significant (t=6.336, 8.295, P < 0.05). Percentage reduction of excess volume (PREV)was(77.33±14.55)%,and was correlated with duration of lower extremity lymphedema. Conclusions CDP was effective for lower extremity lymphedema secondary to treatment of gynecological cancer.It is a set of safe and noninvasive technique. Patients with lower extremity lymphedema should be encouraged to undergo CDP, even when it is mild.