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.

Analysis on the status quo of lymphedema nursing clinics in 60 hospitals / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the present situation of lymphedema clinics in 60 hospitals and provide reference for the management and development of lymphedema nursing clinic.Methods:Convenience sampling method was used to select 60 hospitals that had set up lymphedema nursing outpatient service. A self-designed questionnaire was conducted for the heads of lymphedema nursing clinics from June 10th 2021 to August 15th, 2021 using electronic questionnaires.Results:Lymphedema clinics had been opened since 2015 and developed rapidly in recent years. The outpatient service mainly took the form of specialized outpatient service for lymphedema, accounted for 61.67%(37/60), and also existed in the form of combined breast rehabilitation, ostomy, catheter maintenance, etc. There was a great difference in the frequency of outpatient service in hospitals, 46.67%(28/60) had outpatient service every day, 36.67% (22/60) had outpatient service only half a day every week. The number of outpatient patients was relatively low, 61.67%(37/60) of the hospitals had no more than 10 patients per week, and only 8.33% (5/60) had more than 50 patients per week. There were only 26 full-time nurses accounted for 14.94%(26/174), and the international lymphedema therapist certification rate was 36.21% (63/174). Training institutions included foreign introduced training programs, domestic and foreign cooperation programs, overseas training and local training, etc. 100.00% (60/60) of the hospitals participating in the survey adopted comprehensive detumescence therapy, combined with auxiliary motor muscle energy binding technology 51.67% (31/60), air wave pressure therapy 48.33% (29/60), traditional Chinese medicine therapy 16.67% (10/60), etc. According to the survey of charging situation, only 14 hospitals accounted for 23.33%(14/60) had special charging, among which 12 hospitals accounted for 20.00%(12/60) had official charging approval.Conclusions:Lymphedema clinics have been developed and the ranks of lymphedema therapists are growing. The relevant departments should strengthen the standard management of lymphedema clinic, clarify the qualifications of visiting personnel, establish the standard of outpatient fees, promote the sustainable development of lymphedema clinic, and finally improve the quality of life of patients with lymphedema.

Effectiveness Of Matrix Rhythm Therapy For Frozen Shoulder In Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Patient: A Case Report

Background. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis limits shoulder range of motion (ROM) among Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema (BCRL) patients. Although several therapeutic interventions exist to treat BCRL symptoms, no consensus has been reached thus far. Case Report: This case study examined the use of Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MRT) for Frozen Shoulder in BCRL patient along with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). The patient presented with chief complaints of pain and restricted shoulder movements secondary to mastectomy. MRT was administered for 60-75 minutes in 10 sessions over a period of three weeks. Results. Notable changes were observed post-intervention in ROM (from 100 to 180 degrees), pain (from 7 to 2), quality of life (QOL) (from 53 to 17) and limb volume (from 43.54% to 27.35%). Conclusion. MRT was found to be beneficial in this case in a short period of time, however, large-scale studies are required to affirm the impact of MRT as it is cost effective.

The diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema

Lymphedema is not uncommon, but it can often be undiagnosed until discomfort or complications occur. It tends to develop slowly, but is progressive without proper treatment. Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic fluid load is greater than the ability of transport, resulting not only in excessive accumulation of tissue fluid but also in deformity of appearance, immobility, and more serious consequences. Stage I lymphedema can be improved by simply promoting drainage with elevation and compression garments. Stage II or III lymphedema should be managed intensively with complete decongestive therapy using a combination of skin care, exercise, elevation, manual lymph drainage, intermittent pneumatic compression, multilayer lymphedema bandaging and weight reduction. The safety and effectiveness of other treatment modalities for lymphedema such as liposuction, microsurgical lymphatic reconstruction, needle aspiration, stem cells, laser therapy, and iliac vein stenting should further be investigated. Since lymphedema is progressive, the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema at the earliest possible stage is very important. Complete decongestive therapy is principal, and psychosocial support is an important element of the treatment of lymphedema.