Treatment of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema
Lymphedema
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Lymphedema
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- breast cancer-related lymphoedema due to unilateral breast cancer
- more than 2 cm difference at the circumference measurements or >10% difference in volume between the two arms
- completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Exclusion Criteria:
- bilateral breast cancer
- primer lymphoedema
- undergone complex decongestive therapy or other interventions for lymphoedema within 12 months
- truncal and/or breast oedema
- continuing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
- active infection
- current metastases
- heart failure with arterial and/or venous occlusion
- elephantiasis
- impaired cognitive status
- received physiotherapy within last six months
- cervical or cranial originated upper extremity problems
- using any medications that affect the body fluid and electrolyte balance
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Other
Experimental
complex decongestive treatment
intermittent pneumatic compression
In group 1, the patients were received standard complex decongestive therapy including skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, multi-layer compression bandaging and exercises. During the treatment, written and verbal information was given to the patients about skin care. Manual lymphatic drainage and compressive bandages were applied by a certified physical therapist. The patients received 30-minutes manual lymphatic drainage involving stationary circular, pumping, scooping, and rotary movements. Multi-layer compression bandaging was applied to the affected limb to promote the flow of excess interstitial fluid out of the extremity using a graded pressure for 22-23 hours in a day. The patients strictly followed a lymphoedema exercise program structured with breathing exercise, neck and shoulder range of motion, and stretching exercise to facilitating lymph resorption.
In group 2, the patients received experimental intermittent pneumatic compression in addition to the standard complex decongestive therapy. The complex decongestive therapy procedure was the same as above, but additionally, 30 minutes of intermittent pneumatic compression was instituted using a pump (Pulse Press Multi 6 Pro; MJS Healthcare Ltd. UK) operating at 30-40 mmHg of pressure. All groups were given a total of 20 treatment sessions, including daily 5 times a week for 4 weeks.