Lower Limb Lymphedema and Quality of Life in Gynecologic Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the lower limb lymphedema (LLL) and quality of life in gynecologic cancer patients. METHODS: A sample of 143 patients who have received pelvic lymphadenectomy and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy recruied in the descriptive study. The instruments used were the Korean Version of the Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ-K) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ C-30). RESULTS: The level of LLL for all patients was 4.31±3.86. The level of GCLQ-K score was higher in the LLL group than the non LLL group (8.38±2.92 vs 1.76±1.41). The all functional scale score was lower in the LLL group than the non LLL group, and all symptom scale score except for appetite loss and financial difficulties was higher in the LLL group than the non LLL group. The global health status score was lower in the LLL group than the non LLL group. CONCLUSION: The above results show that in the LLL patients after pelvic and/or para-aortic, lymphadenectomy was common. The quality of life was lower in the LLL group than the non LLL group. It is important to develop nursing intervention regarding prevention and management about LLL in gynecologic cancer patients.