Development of self-care scale for patients with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and verification of its reliability and validity / 现代临床护理

Objective To develop a self-care scale for patients with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and verify its reliability and validity.Methods Based on the model of knowledge,belief and practice,a questionnaire item pool was constructed after literature reviews and qualitative interviews.A questionnaire-based scale was drafted based on the established item pool by carrying out two rounds of consultation with 15 clinical nursing specialists,nursing administrators and nursing educators from 8 provinces or cities in China.Reliability and validity of the scale were tested using convenience sampling,involving 444 patients with breast cancer surgery related lymphedema from 7 general hospitals in Hubei and Henan provinces,China,between May and July 2023.Results The response rates for the two rounds of expert consultation were 93.75%and 93.33%,respectively.The authority coefficients of the two rounds were 0.86 and 0.89,respectively,and the coordination coefficients for the 2 rounds were 0.130 and 0.379,respectively.In the first round,the average importance rating was from 4.33 to 4.93 with the coefficient of variation from 0.05 to 0.19,and the full score ratio from 53.33%to 93.33%.In the second round,the average importance rating ranged from 2.86 to 4.93 with the coefficient of variation from 0.05 to 0.36,and the full score ratios from 7.14%to 92.86%.A total of 421 patients completed the survey.The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.943,the overall split-half reliability was 0.824,the scale-level content validity index(S-CVI)was 0.912,and the item-level content validity index(I-CVI)of the total scale ranged from 0.857 to 1.000.The KMO value of exploratory factor analysis was 0.919,the Bartrett spherical test value was 4671.724(P<0.001),and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.155%.Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit.After the reliability and validity tests,the scale was finalised and determined to consist of three dimensions with 33 items:knowledge(9 items),attitude(6 items)and behaviour(18 items).Conclusion The self-care scale for the patients with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery has demonstrated good reliability and validity,and makes it an effective assessment tool for the patients with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

Observations of lower limb lymphatic reflux and para-uterine lymphatic reflux by injecting indocya-nine green / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To observe the differences between the lymphatic reflux in the lower extremities and near the uterus by interphalangeal and cervical injection of indocyanine green(ICG).Methods A total of 50 patients with early-stage endometrial cancer or cervical cancer admitted to Zhoukou Central Hospital from June 2019 to November 2022 were selected as the research subjects.According to the ICG injection site during the surgery,patients were divided into the interphalangeal injection group(n=20)and the cervical injection group(n=30).The patients in the two groups were injected with ICG at the toes or cervix uteri,respectively.The lower limb lymphatic reflux pathway in the pelvic cavity and the para-uterine lymphatic reflux pathway were observed under fluorescence laparoscopy,and the differences between the two groups were analyzed.Results Among the patients with the interphalangeal injection of ICG(20 patients,40 sides),the lower limb lymphatic reflux was developed on 33 sides of 18 patients but not developed on both sides of 2 patients.Among the 18 patients,26 sides showed the lower limb lymphatic reflux through deep inguinal lymph nodes,circumflex iliac lymph nodes,external iliac lymph nodes,and common iliac lymph nodes;5 sides showed the lower limb lymphatic reflux to deep inguinal lymph nodes,circumflex iliac lymph nodes,obturator lymph nodes,internal iliac lymph nodes,and common iliac lymph nodes;and 2 sides showed the lower limb lymphatic reflux to deep inguinal lymph nodes,obturator lymph nodes,internal iliac lymph nodes,and common iliac lymph nodes.Among the patients with the cervical injection of ICG(30 patients,60 sides),pelvic lymph nodes were developed on 55 sides of 29 patients but not developed bilaterally in 1 patient.In the 29 patients,2 sides showed para-uterine lymphatic reflux to obturator lymph nodes,circumflex iliac lymph nodes,external iliac lymph nodes,and common iliac lymph nodes,in which circumflex iliac lymph nodes were non-sentinel lymph nodes;40 sides showed para-uterine lymphatic reflux to medial iliac lymph nodes(or obturator lymph nodes)and common iliac lymph nodes along the superior paracervical lymphatic reflux pathway;and 13 sides showed para-uterine lymphatic reflux to the internal iliac or presacral lymph nodes along the inferior paracervical lymphatic reflux pathway.The shared pathway of lower limb lymphatic reflux and para-uterine lymphatic reflux was upward reflux from obturator,external iliac and common iliac lymph nodes.The circumflex iliac lymph node developing rates in the interphalangeal and cervical injection groups were 93.94％(31/33)and 3.63％(2/55),respectively.The interphalangeal injection group had a significantly higher circumflex iliac lymph node developing rate than the cervical injection group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The application of ICG under fluorescence laparoscopy intuitively observed the lower limb lymphatic reflux and the para-uetine lymphatic reflux pathway.The difference between the two is that the lower limb lymphatic reflux flows through the circumflex iliac lymph nodes at the distal end of the external iliac lymph nodes,while cervical cancer and endometrial cancer rarely transfer there.

Study on the Application of Named Entity Recognition in Electronic Medical Records for Lymphedema Disease / 医学信息学杂志

Purpose/Significance The paper discusses the application of artificial intelligence technology to the key entity recognition ofunstructured text data in the electronic medical records of lymphedema patients.Method/Process It expounds the solution of model fine-tuning training under the background of sample scarcity,a total of 594 patients admitted to the department of lymphatic surgery of Beijing Shijitan Hospital,Capital Medical University are selected as the research objects.The prediction layer of the GlobalPointer model is fine-tuned according to 15 key entity categories labeled by clinicians,nested and non-nested key entities are identified with its glob-al pointer.The accuracy of the experimental results and the feasibility of clinical application are analyzed.Result/Conclusion After fine-tuning,the average accuracy rate,recall rate and Macro_F1 ofthe model are 0.795,0.641 and 0.697,respectively,which lay a foundation for accurate mining of lymphedema EMR data.

Ethical Problems and Countermeasures in Rehabilitation Intervention for Patients with lymphedema after Breast Cancer Operation / 中国医学伦理学

In order to explore the medical and social problems related to postoperative lymphedema in breast cancer patients, improve the compliance of rehabilitation treatment and help patients return to society. The self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate 76 patients who met the criteria of lymphedema after breast cancer and refused or failed to adhere to rehabilitation threapy. According to the relevant measurement scale theory and method, the computer-aided software was used to analyze the data to find out the problem and analyze the cause. The prominent problems of poor compliance in patients with breast cancer after operation were successively: subjective factors, objective factors, family social and ethical factors, multidisciplinary factors, hospital management and policy issues. For the above ethical problems, we should adopt positive coping strategies to increase the compliance of patients and improve their quality of life.

Establishment of a method for detecting propofol concentration in plasma and its application in patients with lymphedema / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish a method for the determination of propofol concentration in human plasma and apply it in patients with lymphedema. METHODS The concentration of propofol was determined by UPLC-MS/MS after protein precipitation of plasma samples using thymol as internal standard. The sample was eluted on a Kinetex C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile （A）-water （B） for gradient elution at the flow rate of 200 μL/min. The sample size was 5 μL， and the column temperature was set at 40 ℃. The sample chamber temperature was 15 ℃. Using multi-reaction monitoring mode， the ion pairs for quantitative analysis were m/z 177.0→161.2 （propofol） and m/z 149.0→133.1 （internal standard）， respectively. The above method was used to determine the plasma concentration of propofol in 6 patients with lymphedema. RESULTS The linear range of propofol was 50-5 000 ng/mL （r＝0.995 0）. RSDs of within- and between-batch precision were not more than 8.08%； no endogenous interference， carryover effect， or dilution effect was observed in blank plasma. The extraction recovery ranged from 89.80% to 93.73%， and matrix effects were within the range of 97.93%-101.73%. RSDs of the stability test were all lower than 3.27%. During intraoperative TCI 2-30 min， the plasma concentration of propofol in 6 patients was maintained in the range of 1 865.3-6 056.2 ng/mL， and the propofol was almost excreted within 4-8 h after operation. CONCLUSIONS The established UPLC-MS/MS method in this study can achieve the determination of propofol and a simple and fast sample pretreatment process without derivatization； it is proved to be suitable for the concentration monitoring of propofol in plasma samples of patients with lymphedema.

Research advances on stem cell-based treatments in animal studies and clinical trials of lymphedema / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the progress of the roles and mechanisms of various types of stem cell-based treatments and their combination therapies in both animal studies and clinical trials of lymphedema.@*METHODS@#The literature on stem cell-based treatments for lymphedema in recent years at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the animal studies and clinical trials on different types of stem cells for lymphedema were summarized.@*RESULTS@#Various types of stem cells have shown certain effects in animal studies and clinical trials on the treatment of lymphedema, mainly through local differentiation into lymphoid endothelial cells and paracrine cytokines with different functions. Current research focuses on two cell types, adipose derived stem cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages, mainly reflected in the therapeutic effect of stem cells, the difficulty of obtaining stem cells and the content in vivo. In addition, stem cells can also play a synergistic role in combination with other treatments, such as conservative treatment, surgical intervention, cytokines, biological scaffolds, and so on. However, it is still limited to the basic research stage, and only a small number of studies have completed clinical trials.@*CONCLUSION@#Stem cells have great transformation potential in the treatment of lymphedema, but there is no unified standard in the selection of cell types, the amount of transplanted cells, and the timing of transplantation.

Research Progress of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Lower Extremity Lymphedema / 中国医学影像学杂志

Lymphoedema of lower extremities,chronic and progressive,will severely deteriorate the quality of life of patients as it progresses.Thus,early diagnosis and treatment to delay the progress of the disease is conducive to improving the prognosis of patients.At present,common techniques for the diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema,whose advantages and disadvantages vary,cannot be applied to individual case comprehensively.CEUS has the advantages of non-invasion,convenience,real-time,and good repeatability for this disease.CEUS can enhance the image of lymph in lymphatics,and has a high sensitivity to superficial lymphatics,gradually applied in lymphedema of lower limbs.This article reviews the application of CEUS in lower limb lymphedema.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the LYMPH-ICF Instrument for Lymphedema into Portuguese/Brazil / Traducción y adaptación transcultural al portugués/Brasil del instrumento LYMPH-ICF para linfedema / Tradução e adaptação transcultural para o português/Brasil do instrumento LYMPH-ICF para linfedema

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to cross-culturally adapt the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire Lymphoedema (LYMPH-ICF) instrument into Brazilian Portuguese and conduct a pilot application (n = 10), without psychometric pretensions. Method: Methodological research was conducted, following the steps of translation, synthesis, back-translation, and evaluation by the expert committee. Two translators, two back-translators, and twelve professionals participated in the expert committee. A pretest was carried out with 10 patients with secondary lymphedema due to breast cancer. The degree of agreement was determined by the content validity coefficient. Results: It was necessary to modify 8 out of the 29 questions comprising the questionnaire, which exhibited idiomatic disagreement. However, despite these changes, there were no indications of impairments, as content reliability was achieved through a validity coefficient of 0.90. Final Considerations: The instrument was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted for Brazil with a high level of agreement.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Realizar la adaptación transcultural del instrumento Cuestionario de Funcionamiento, Discapacidad y Salud del Linfedema (LYMPH-ICF) al portugués de Brasil y una aplicación piloto (n = 10), sin pretensiones psicométricas. Método: Investigación metodológica, siguiendo los pasos de traducción, síntesis, retrotraducción y evaluación por parte del comité de expertos. Participaron dos traductores, dos retrotraductores y doce profesionales para el comité de expertos. Se realizó una prueba piloto con 10 pacientes con linfedema secundario al cáncer de mama. Y el grado de concordancia se obtuvo mediante el coeficiente de validez de contenido. Resultados: Hubo necesidad de modificar 8 de las 29 preguntas que componen el cuestionario, las cuales mostraron discordancia idiomática. Sin embargo, a pesar de que se realizaron dichas modificaciones, no hubo indicación de perjuicios, ya que se alcanzó la confiabilidad del contenido mediante la obtención de 0,90 en el coeficiente de validez. Conclusiones: El instrumento fue traducido y adaptado transculturalmente para Brasil con un alto grado de concordancia.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar a adaptação transcultural do instrumento Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire Lymphoedema (LYMPH-ICF) para o português do Brasil e uma aplicação piloto (n = 10), sem pretensão psicométrica. Método: pesquisa metodológica, seguindo os passos de tradução, síntese, retrotradução e avaliação pelo comitê de especialistas. Participaram dois tradutores, dois retrotradutores e doze profissionais para o comitê de especialistas. Realizou-se o pré-teste com 10 pacientes com linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama. E o grau de concordância foi obtido pelo coeficiente de validade de conteúdo. Resultados: houve a necessidade de modificar 8 das 29 questões que compõem o questionário, as quais demonstraram discordância idiomática. Contudo, mesmo que tais alterações tenham sido realizadas, não houve indicação de prejuízos, já que foi alcançada a confiabilidade do conteúdo através da obtenção de 0,90 pelo coeficiente de validade. Considerações finais: o instrumento foi traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente para o Brasil com alto grau de concordância.

Autogestão ineficaz de linfedema em mulheres mastectomizadas: análise de conceito / Autogestión ineficaz de linfedema en mujeres mastectomizadas: análisis de concepto / Ineffective self-management of lymphedema in mastectomized women: concept analysis

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o conceito de "autogestão ineficaz do linfedema" em mulheres mastectomizadas. Métodos Trata-se de uma análise do conceito proposto por Walker e Avant operacionalizada por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, organizada em oito etapas e baseada nas seguintes questões norteadoras: Qual é a definição de autogestão ineficaz em mulheres mastectomizadas? Quais os antecedentes, atributos e consequências da autogestão ineficaz em mulheres mastectomizadas? Como a autogestão ineficaz de linfedema tem sido definida no contexto de mulheres que passaram por mastectomia? A busca de artigos foi realizada em cinco bases de dados eletrônicas, sem limite de data, no período de julho de 2022 a fevereiro de 2023. Resultados Foram identificados 30 antecedentes e 19 consequentes; os mais frequentes entre eles foram respectivamente os seguintes: falta de apoio familiar/social e diminuição da qualidade de vida. Os atributos definidores mais frequentemente identificados foram os seguintes: edema, inchaço no braço, sensação de peso no membro, dor, dormência e diminuição da função do membro. Foram ainda elaborados os casos modelo e contrário para auxiliar na decisão sobre o uso do conceito. Conclusão Os conceitos resultantes da análise contribuem para clarificar os termos e o desenvolvimento da linguagem na enfermagem, devendo ser validados por juízes e prática clínica para melhor aplicação na oncologia clínica.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar el concepto de "autogestión ineficaz de linfedema" en mujeres mastectomizadas. Métodos Se trata de un análisis del concepto propuesto por Walker y Avant, realizado mediante una revisión integradora de la literatura, organizado en ocho etapas y basado en las siguientes preguntas orientadoras: ¿Cuál es la definición de autogestión ineficaz en mujeres mastectomizadas? ¿Cuáles son los antecedentes, atributos y consecuencias de la autogestión ineficaz en mujeres mastectomizadas? ¿Cómo se define la autogestión ineficaz de linfedema en el contexto de mujeres que pasaron por una mastectomía? La búsqueda de artículos fue realizada en cinco bases de datos electrónicas, sin límite de fecha, en el período de julio de 2022 a febrero de 2023. Resultados Se identificaron 30 antecedentes y 19 consecuentes. El antecedente más frecuente fue falta de apoyo familiar/social y el consecuente, reducción de la calidad de vida. Los atributos definidores identificados más frecuentemente fueron los siguientes: edema, hinchazón en el brazo, sensación de peso en el miembro, dolor, adormecimiento y reducción de la función del miembro. Además, se elaboraron los casos modelo y contrarios para ayudar en la decisión sobre el uso del concepto. Conclusión Los conceptos resultantes del análisis contribuyen a clarificar los términos y el desarrollo del lenguaje en enfermería y deben ser validados por jueces y práctica clínica para una mejor aplicación en la oncología clínica.

Abstract Objective To analyze the concept of "ineffective self-management of lymphedema" in mastectomized women. Methods This is an analysis of the concept proposed by Walker and Avant, operationalized through an integrative literature review, organized into eight stages, and based on the following guiding questions: What is the definition of ineffective self-management in mastectomized women? What are the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of ineffective self-management in mastectomized women? How has ineffective self-management of lymphedema been defined in the context of women who have undergone mastectomy? The search for articles was carried out in five electronic databases, with no date limit, from July 2022 to February 2023. Results Antecedents (30) and consequents (19) were identified. Among them, the most frequent were the following, respectively: lack of family and/or social support and decreased quality of life. The most frequently identified defining attributes were the following: edema, swelling in the arm, feeling of heaviness in the limb, pain, numbness, and reduced function of the limb. Model and contrary cases were also designed to help decide on the use of the concept. Conclusion The concepts resulting from the analysis contribute to clarifying the terms and development of language in nursing, and should be validated by judges and clinical practice for better application in clinical oncology.

Tratamiento quirúrgico para reducción de volumen de linfedema de miembro inferior / Surgical Treatment for Volume Reduction of Lower Limb Lymphedema

Introducción: El linfedema de extremidades inferiores es la acumulación de fluido rico en proteínas en el intersticio como consecuencia del daño de vasos linfáticos. En el ámbito de la angiología se relaciona más frecuentemente con el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer. Los objetivos principales en el manejo del linfedema son limitar la morbilidad del paciente y mejorar la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida. Existen procedimientos que buscan prevenir el desarrollo del linfedema de extremidades inferiores. Una vez establecido, el tratamiento puede ser conservador y quirúrgico. El tratamiento quirúrgico incluye procedimientos fisiológicos (reconstructivos) y resectivos. El éxito depende de una buena selección de los pacientes y la realización de un tratamiento individualizado. Objetivo: Presentar el tratamiento quirúrgico utilizado para reducción de volumen de linfedema de miembro inferior izquierdo. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 38 años, blanco, con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de tres años de evolución, hipertensión arterial de 10 años de evolución y linfedema primario precoz desde hace 10 años en región del muslo del miembro inferior izquierdo. El paciente se ingresó días previos a la cirugía para realizar reposo venoso y fisioterapia (terapia física compleja). Se realizó, desde el punto de vista quirúrgico, una linfangiectomía atípica en la zona afectada. Conclusiones: Se logró la disminución del volumen de la extremidad y se mejoró su funcionabilidad(AU)

Introduction: Lymphedema of the lower limbs is the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium as a result of lymphatic vessel damage. In the field of angiology, it is most frequently related to the surgical treatment of cancer. The main goals in the management of lymphedema are to limit the patient's morbidity, and to improve functionality and quality of life. There are procedures that seek to prevent the development of lymphedema of the lower limbs. Once established, treatment can be conservative and surgical. Surgical treatment includes physiological (reconstructive) and resective procedures. Success depends on good patient´s selection and individualized treatment. Objective: To present the surgical treatment used for volume reduction of lymphedema of the left lower limb. Case presentation: A 38-year-old white male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus for three years, hypertension for 10 years, and early primary lymphedema for 10 years in the thigh region of the left lower limb. The patient was admitted days prior to surgery due to venous rest and physiotherapy (complex physical therapy). From a surgical point of view, an atypical lymphangiectomy was performed in the affected area. Conclusions: A decrease in the volume of the limb was achieved and its functionality was improved(AU)

Aplicativo para tratamento do linfedema de membros superiores / Upper limb lymphedema treatment application

Introdução: O linfedema secundário se desenvolve comumente devido a um trauma no sistema linfático, podendo ocorrer após cirurgia de câncer. O aplicativo móvel é um meio de atualização técnico-científica de fácil acesso e de baixo custo que pode auxiliar o profissional de saúde a proporcionar o melhor tratamento para o paciente. O objetivo desse estudo foi construir um aplicativo para tratamento de linfedema de membros superiores. Método: A construção do aplicativo ocorreu em quatro etapas: (1) Concepção, envolvendo a identificação das necessidades do desenvolvimento do aplicativo; (2) Elaboração do conteúdo, incluindo a revisão integrativa da literatura nas principais bases de dados; (3) Construção, consistindo na estruturação do banco de dados e desenvolvimento do software; e (4) Transição, compreendendo a realização de testes de funcionalidade. Resultados: O aplicativo desenvolvido (Linfedema APP) é composto por 31 telas, 4 figuras e 3 vídeos. Ele foi registrado no Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) do Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio Exterior e está disponível gratuitamente na Google Play Store. Conclusão: Após a revisão integrativa da literatura nas principais bases de dados, foi desenvolvido o aplicativo "Linfedema APP", o qual se constitui em ferramenta prática para qualificar, direcionar e guiar o fisioterapeuta na realização dos exercícios nas pacientes pós- mastectomizados com linfedema em membros superiores.

Introduction: Secondary lymphedema commonly develops due to trauma to the lymphatic system, and may occur after cancer surgery. The mobile application is an easily accessible and low-cost means of technical-scientific updating that can help the health professional to provide the best treatment for the patient. Thus, the objective of this study was to build an application for the treatment and prevention of upper limb lymphedema. Methods: The construction of the application took place in four stages: (1) Conception, involving the identification of application development needs; Content development, including an integrative literature review in the main databases; (3) Construction, consisting of structuring the database and developing the software; and (4) Transition, comprising carrying out functionality tests. Results: The developed application (Linfedema APP) consists of 31 screens, 4 figures and 3 videos. It was registered at the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) of the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, and is available for free on the Google Play Store. Conclusion: After an integrative review of the literature in the main databases, the "Lymphedema APP" application was developed, which constitutes a practical tool to qualify, direct and guide the physiotherapist in performing the exercises in post-mastectomized patients with lymphedema in the upper limbs.

Linfedema escrotal gigante / Giant scrotal lymphedema

RESUMEN La elefantiasis escrotal es una condición que ha sido históricamente descripta en áreas endémicas de filariasis, pero es menos frecuente su presentación idiopática o asociada a otras entidades. Presentamos un caso de elefantiasis escrotal gigante de causa adquirida idiopática, al que se le practicó la exéresis de la estructura linfedematosa y la reconstrucción del defecto con colgajos locales y autoinjerto cutáneo. El motivo de su divulgación radica en que se trata de un caso muy poco frecuente, ya sea por la baja incidencia y etiología, así como por la importante magnitud del problema para el individuo. El objetivo principal en el tratamiento del linfedema, en el caso presentado, fue devolverle al paciente funciones primarias y elementales de vida, además de disminuir la morbilidad y otorgarle una mejor calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Scrotal elephantiasis is a condition that has been historically described in areas where filariasis is endemic, but idiopathic cases or those associated with other entities are rare. We report a case of a patient with idiopathic acquired giant scrotal elephantiasis who underwent excision of the lymphedematous structure and reconstruction of the defect with local flaps and skin autograft. The reason for this presentation is the uncommon nature of the case due to its low incidence, rare etiology and the magnitude of the problem experienced by the patient. The main goal in the treatment of lymphedema in this case was to restore primary and elementary functions of life to the patient, reduce morbidity and provide him with a better quality of life.

A retrospective analysis of Stewart-Treves syndrome in the context of chronic lymphedema

Abstract Background stewart-treves syndrome (STS) is an angiosarcoma associated with chronic lymphedema. Objectives This article analyses the characteristics of twenty-two patients and proposes active intervention in lymphedema and the early diagnosis of STS. Methods Twenty-two patients with STS were diagnosed at the centre over an 11-year period. Clinical manifestations, a series of conventional analyses, and histopathology were used to study these cases retrospectively. Results The age range of 22 patients with STS was 15 to 78 years. The main clinical manifestations included multiple skin and subcutaneous nodules and scattered red or purplish-red rashes in the lymphoedematous limbs. These patients often showed clinical symptoms such as lymphedema, weakness, emaciation, pain, mass, lymphadenopathy and so on. The positive rates of ultrasonography, MRI and radionuclide imaging were 66.7% (6/9), 92.3% (12/13) and 18.2% (2/11), respectively. The main points regarding active intervention in lymphedema and early diagnosis of STS were summarized. Study limitations Since this was a retrospective study, the main points summarized by the author need to be further quantified in clinical work to guide the diagnosis of this kind of disease more conveniently. In addition, further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the role of lymphedema in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. Conclusions STS can appear in lymphoedematous tissue many years after lymphedema onset. To avoid delays in the diagnosis and therapy of STS, physicians should actively look for signs or symptoms of malignant lymphedema during the follow-up period and promptly manage patients developing problems.

Inpatient Decongestive Therapy for Lymphedema in Acute Postsurgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Abstract Introduction Head and neck lymphedema is an omnipresent morbidity related to head and neck cancer therapies. Studies on therapy for these patients in the acute postsurgical population have not been published to date. Objective To assess changes in the measurements of lymphedema in surgical head and neck cancer patients during the hospital stay with implementation of modified decongestive therapy (MDT). Methods Patients aged > 18 years undergoing neck dissection with or without primary-site resection or laryngectomy between 2016 and 2019 were included. Facial measurements were obtained prior to beginning MDT and again prior to discharge. A total facial composite measurement was calculated and used to assess change over time. Rates ≥ 2% of change were considered significant. Results A total of 38 patients were included (subsites: larynx = 27; thyroid =4; oral cavity = 3; and neck = 4). The mean number of days between surgery and the start of lymphedema therapy was 3.0 days. The mean number of days between measurements was 5.2 days. Reduction in the total composite score was observed in 37 (97%) patients, and 35 (92%) patients had a total composite reduction score > 2%. Tumor subsite and surgery type did not portend toward greater percent change, except for those patients treated with total laryngectomy, regional flap reconstruction, and neck dissection (p = 0.02). Conclusion Acute postsurgical inpatient MDT was associated with reduced total composite measurements in patients after head and neck surgery. As the first published study on lymphedema therapy in this acute postsurgical period, further prospective case-control studies are warranted to explore further benefits of acute therapy.

Outcomes and bioethical implications of lymphadenectomy in mastectomized patients: Importance and indication of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy / Resultados e implicaciones bioéticas de la linfadenectomía en pacientes mastectomizadas: Importancia y recomendación de biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina guiada por ecografía / Resultados e implicações bioéticas da linfadenectomia em pacientes mastectomizadas: Importância e recomendação da biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina guiada por ultrassom

Introduction: Lymph node involvement is the main prognostic factor in breast cancer. Mastectomized patients usually undergo lymphadenectomy (LA) of micrometastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) despite the evidence of AMAROS trial to replace this therapy with radiotherapy in select cases. Objective: Demonstrate the ability of ultrasonography to detect non-metastatic or micrometastatic SLNs. Materials and methods: 132 patients who underwent mastectomy were evaluated. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was indicated for suspicious lymph nodes. LA and SNL biopsy (SLNB) were performed in patients with positive and negative FNAB, respectively. LA was performed in FNAB positive or SLNB positive cases, except in the presence of isolated tumor cells and micrometastatic SLNs. The tumor burden after LA in patients with negative FNAB and positive SLNB was measured; the presence of two or fewer positive SLNs was considered a low burden. Results: Sensitivity of FNAB for detecting positive lymph nodes in patients with a high tumor burden was 93% and specificity was 84%. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 60% and 79%, respectively. Conclusions: LA could have been avoided in 90% of mastectomized patients with negative FNAB and a low tumor burden who met the AMAROS criteria with a high NPV (79%).

Introducción: La afectación ganglionar es el principal factor pronóstico en cáncer de seno. Generalmente, pacientes mastectomizadas se somenten a linfadenectomia (LA) de ganglios linfáticos centinela micrometastásicos (GLCs), a pesar de la evidencia del ensayo AMAROS en ciertos casos para reemplazarla con radioterapia. Objetivo: Demostrar la importancia de la ecografía para detectar GLCs no metastásicos o micrometastásicos. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron132 pacientes sometidas a mastectomía. Se recomendó biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina (BAAF) por ultrasonido para ganglios linfáticos sospechosos. Se realizó Biopsia LA y biopsia de GLCs (BGLC) en pacientes con BAAF positiva y negativa, respectivamente. En casos positivos de BAAF o BGLC se ejecutó LA, excepto en presencia de células tumorales aisladas y GLCs. Se evaluó la carga tumoral posterior a LA en pacientes con BAAF negativa y BGLC positiva. La presencia de dos o menos GLC positivos se consideró carga baja. Resultados: La sensibilidad de BAAF para detectar nódulos linfáticos positivos en pacientes con alta carga tumoral fue del 93%; la especificidad fue del 79%. Valores predictivos positivo (60%) y negativo (79%). Conclusiones: Se podría haber evitado LA en 90% de pacientes mastectomizadas con BAAF negativa y baja carga tumoral que cumplían criterios AMAROS con alto VPN (79%).

Introdução: O comprometimento dos gânglios é o principal fator prognóstico no câncer de mama. Geralmente, pacientes mastectomizadas são submetidas a linfadenectomia (LA) de gânglios linfáticos sentinelas de micrometástases (GLSs), apesar da evidência do estudo AMAROS em certos casos para substituí-la por radioterapia. Objetivo: Demonstrar a importância da ultrassonografia na detecção de GLSs não metastáticos ou micrometástase. Materiais e métodos: Foram avaliadas 132 pacientes submetidas à mastectomia. A biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina (BAAF) ultrassônica foi recomendada para gânglios linfáticos suspeitos. A biópsia LA e a biópsia do GLSs (BGLS) foram realizadas em pacientes com BAAF positivo e negativo, respectivamente. Nos casos positivos de BAAF ou BGLS, a LA foi realizada, exceto na presença de células tumorais isoladas e GLSs. A carga tumoral após a LA foi avaliada em pacientes com BAAF negativa e BGLS positiva. A presença de dois ou menos GLS positivos foi considerada carga baixa. Resultados: A sensibilidade do BAAF para detectar linfonodos positivos em pacientes com alta carga tumoral foi de 93%; a especificidade foi de 79%. Valores preditivos positivos (60%) e negativos (79%). Conclusões: a LA poderia ter sido evitada em 90% das pacientes mastectomizadas com BAAF negativa e baixa carga tumoral que preencheram os critérios AMAROS com alto VPN (79%).

A Clinical Analysis of Phlebolymphedema and Its Relationship with Physical Activity and Disability

Background: The clinical features and epidemiological data about patients with phebolymphedema or lymphedema related to Chronic Venous Disease in Mexico is limited and has been understudied; at the same time, the relationships between its clinical features, physical activity level and disability remained unknown. Methods: This is a longitudinal cohort study based on the analysis of clinical data of 90 patients gathered between 2021 and 2022. The statistical analysis was carried out using the software SPSS version 25 and GrandhPad Prism 8; a descriptive analysis was developed using measures of central tendency for the variables of a quantitative nature and frequency distribution for those categorical variables. The behavior of the variables was revealed through the Shapiro-Wilk statistic. The mean difference analysis was carried out with the Student’s T for independent samples. To identify the effect of gender, age, and severity of the disease on the study variables, a three-way analysis of variance was obtained with a Sidak comparison analysis. For the associations between qualitative and dichotomous nature variables, the Chi-Square statistic was obtained along with the odds ratio to determine the intensity of the relationships found. Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the analysis; 71% (64) were female and 29% (26) were male; with a mean age of 62.7 years old (± 30.5). A mean BMI of 33.2, 79.9% (77) of patients reached overweight and obesity ranges. 50% (45) of patients reported disability to perform one or more daily life activities related to the disease’s condition (signs, symptoms, volume). Only 12% (10) of all patients performed at or above the minimum physical activity recommended for their population group, and 88% (80) of patients had no physical activity or performed under the proper population group’s recommendation of minimal physical activity. It was found that the practice of physical activity, the number of compromised segments, the stage of the pathology, and the presence of cardiological and metabolic antecedents provide a statistically significant association with disability. Notable statistical difference among sex as a risk factor was not found. Regarding the BMI, the only differences were observed in the level of severity of the disease, regardless of the presence of any disability (p=0.006), evidencing that the greater the severity, the higher the BMI in both men and women. About physical activity, it is observed that inactivity or minimal practice of physical activity is a risk factor for referred disability (p<0.05), since it is prolonged that the non-practice of physical activity increases by 230% the chances of referring a disability associated to the disease compared to those people who referred to practice minimal or above minimal physical activity; the presence of a cardiological and/or metabolic history is related to an increase of about 150% to 180% of presenting disability compared to patients who do not have these pathologies. Conclusion: This study shows clinical and epidemiological features of phlebolymphedema and their relationship with the level of physical activity and reported disability of 90 patients. Further studies are needed to improve and broaden the understanding of the clinical characteristics of phlebolymphedema and its correlations.

Advances in treatment of lymphedema with supraclavicular vascularized lymph node transfer / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To review the research progress of supraclavicular vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT).@*METHODS@#The research literature related to supraclavicular VLNT at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the anatomy of supraclavicular lymph nodes, clinical applications, and complications of supraclavicular VLNT were summarized.@*RESULTS@#The supraclavicular lymph nodes are anatomically constant, located in the posterior cervical triangle zone, and the blood supply comes mainly from the transverse cervical artery. There are individual differences in the number of supraclavicular lymph nodes, and preoperative ultrasonography is helpful to clarify the number of lymph nodes. Clinical studies have shown that supraclavicular VLNT can relieve limb swelling, reduce the incidence of infection, and improve quality of life in patients with lymphedema. And the effectiveness of supraclavicular VLNT can be improved by combined with lymphovenous anastomosis, resection procedures, and liposuction.@*CONCLUSION@#There are a large number of supraclavicular lymph nodes, with abundant blood supply. It has been proven to be effective for any period of lymphedema, and the combined treatment is more effective. The more clinical studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of supraclavicular VLNT alone or in combination, as well as the surgical approach and timing of the combined treatment.

A Case of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Metastasis Whose Lymphedema Was Improved by Radiation Therapy and Was Temporarily Discharged from the Hospital

The patient was a 73-year-old woman. She had been treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (cT3N3M0, Stage IIIC) at our department. The patient had low back pain due to retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis; in June 2022, this was exacerbated as lung cancer progressed. She had difficulty in body movements due to edema in both lower limbs, in addition to the pain. Consequently, she was urgently admitted on July 8 and received radiotherapy (30 Gy/10 fractions) for retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis. She was being given tapentadol at a dose of 200 mg/day for relief of her pain. However, she was switched to fentanyl patch at a dose of 1200 µg/day during her hospitalization, which resulted in relief of low back pain. The underlying disease causing the edema was investigated. Based on physical and laboratory findings and medical history, lymphedema associated with retroperitoneal lymph node metastases was diagnosed. On day 31 of hospitalization, the patient was allowed to be temporarily discharged from the hospital because the edema had improved and the activity of daily living around the bed had increased. Treatment methods for lymphedema associated with lymph node metastasis have not been established, but the efficacy of radiotherapy has been reported. We have herein reported a case of lymphedema that was improved by radiotherapy after it was differentiated from other diagnoses.

Evidenced summary for comprehensive detumescence treatment for lower limb lymphedema in patients with gynecological malignant tumor / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To evaluate and summarize the relevant evidence of comprehensive detumescence treatment of lower limb lymphedema in patients with gynecological malignant tumors, and to provide evidence-based basis for clinical intervention of comprehensive detumescence treatment of lymphedema.Methods:This study was an evidence - based nursing research. Databases such as BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and other domestic and foreign databases, as well as websites such as the Australian Lymphology Society, the International Lymphedema, and the European Clinical Oncology Association were searched for relevant evidence and evaluation of comprehensive treatment of gynecological malignant tumor-related lower limb lymphedema. The search time was from the establishment of the database to April 1, 2022.Results:A total of 18 articles were included, including 2 guidelines, 5 systematic reviews, 4 expert consensus, 2 evidence summaries, 4 randomized controlled trials and 1 best practice. Twenty-eight evidence were summarized from 7 aspects : treatment cycle and edema stage, free-hand lymphatic drainage, graduated compression stockings, skin care, elastic socks, functional exercise and health education.Conclusions:The evidence summarized in this study can provide reference for clinical medical staff to formulate comprehensive treatment plans for lower limb lymphedema. Evidence-based practice should consider the individual status of patients and clinical scenarios, and provide personalized comprehensive treatment plans for patients with lower limb lymphedema of gynecological malignant tumors as soon as possible to improve the quality of life of patients.

Effect of Jianpi Huoxue Jiedu recipe on upper limb edema of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation, blood stasis and toxin internal knot type after modified radical operation of breast cancer / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of Jianpi Huoxue Jiedu recipe on upper limb edema of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation, blood stasis and toxin internal knot type after modified radical surgery for breast cancer.Methods:From January 2020 to May 2022, a total of 60 patients with upper limb edema of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation, blood stasis and toxin internal knot type after modified radical surgery for breast cancer were selected and treated in Longyan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Xiamen University. They were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with routine western medicine comprehensive swelling reduction surgery, while the observation group was treated with a combination of Jianpi Huoxue Jiedu recipe (1 dose/day, warmly-taken in the morning and evening) for one month on the basis of the control group. The clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, edema diameter, breast cancer quality of life scale (FACT), and joint range of motion were compared between the two groups after treatment.Results:After one month of treatment, the total clinical effective rate of the observation group (93.33%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (70.00%, P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores (upper limb swelling, pain, fullness, sense of restraint, skin keratinization, itching, heaviness, stuffiness, and fatigue) of both groups of patients decreased compared to those before treatment, and the observation group was lower than the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the diameter of edema in the affected limbs was significantly reduced in both groups of patients, and the diameter of 10 cm above the wrist and elbow stripes in the observation group was smaller than that in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the FACT scores of the two groups of patients significantly decreased, and the FACT scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the joint activity of the two groups of patients significantly increased, and the joint activity of the observation group was greater than that of the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The clinical efficacy of Jianpi Huoxue Jiedu recipe combined with western medicine in treating upper limb edema of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation, blood stasis and toxin accumulation type after modified radical operation of breast cancer is better than that of western medicine alone. It can significantly improve the clinical symptoms, signs, quality of life, and joint mobility of upper limbs of patients, and reduce upper limb edema.