摘要
Background:To assess the edema relief effects of complex decongestive therapy(CDT)in patients with breast cancer associated lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection(ALND).Methods:58 breast cancer patients with unilateral arm lymphedema after breast cancer ALND were enrolled.The patients were divided into three groups based on the difference of circumference between the affected and unaffected extremity:group 1,mild lymphedema in circumference difference;group 2,moderate lymphedema,and group 3,severe lymphedema.These patients received four weeks of CDT and self-administered home therapy.Arm circumference was measured before,right after CDT,3 months and 12 months of follow-up.Results:In the first group,the circumference difference was 1.53±0.73 cm prior to CDT,and 0.32±0.59 cm right after CDT,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).At the 1-year-follow-up,we got an even higher value than the pre-CDT one,however,there was no significant difference(P=0.175).At the end of CDT,the circumference difference of the third group was 4.52±2.58 cm,significantly lower than the baseline level(8.76±3.07 cm)(P<0.001).In the third group,the reduction of circumference difference was persisted for 12 months.Conclusion:The effects of CDT were maintained for 12 months,while there were differences in progress of circumference difference among the three groups.The effects of patients with severe initial edema(>5 cm increased)last longer.
