Effect of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Preventing Postoperative Axillary Web Syndrome of Breast Cancer / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effect of manual lymphatic drainage on prevention of postoperative axillary web syndrome of breast cancer. Methods From June to December, 2015, 400 breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy were randomly divided into control group (n=200) and intervention group (n=200). The control group accepted routine functional exercise on affected upper limbs, while the intervention group accepted manual lymphatic drainage in addition. The incidence of axillary web syndrome in both groups was compared one, two and three months after operation. Results The incidence of axillary web syndrome was less in the intervention group than in the control group in all the time points after operation (χ2>6.17, P<0.05). Conclusion Manual lymphatic drainage can effectively pre-vent axillary web syndrome in patients with breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy.