Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Lymphoedema...
LymphedemaLymphedema occurs not only in patients with breast cancer and gynecological cancers but also in those where lymphatic drainage is obstructed. Accumulation of lymphatic fluid within tissues results in limb swelling. Additionally, proteins present in lymphatic fluid might lead to fibrosis within tissues, causing various challenges for patients. The changes in volume and weight can significantly impact daily life activities such as eating, brushing teeth, and other routine tasks. Furthermore, it can lead to clothing difficulties and provoke unwanted attention due to aesthetic concerns. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for lymphedema. However, prospective research has shown promising results in applying extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), originally used for musculoskeletal disorders like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, and non-union fractures, to lymphedema patients. Similarly, Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT), widely used for pain management and muscle strengthening, has the potential for treating lymphedema as it can enhance blood circulation and stimulate muscle contractions. This research project aims to explore the effectiveness and sustainability of using ESWT and PEMFT for lymphedema patients. By applying these therapies to lymphedema patients, this study aims to evaluate their treatment outcomes and long-term effects.
Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis as Treatment for Lymphedema
Breast Cancer LymphedemaSecondary Lymphedema22 moreThe primary aim of this study is to investigate and test whether the use of combined indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and ultra high frequency ultrasonography can correctly identify lymphatic vessels and venoles in close proximity to each other, for identification prior to lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery.
Lymphoedema and Nocturia/ Nocturnal Polyuria After Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Urogenital Cancer...
Lower Limb LymphedemaUrogenital CancerAfter the treatment of urogenital cancer, a person may develop lymphoedema of the leg(s) and/ or midline region. Lymphoedema is the result of a dysfunction in the lymphatic system and is characterized by excessive retention of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial compartment, adipose deposition and chronic tissue inflammation resulting in fibrosis. Clinical symptoms include abnormal tissue swelling, sensation of limb heaviness, erythema, pain, and impaired limb function. The added value of manual lymph drainage, applied in patients with mild (early) lower limb lymphoedema and in addition to skin care, exercises and a compression stocking, has never been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this randomised controlled pilot trial is to investigate the feasibility of a trial about the added value of manual lymph drainage (to skin care, exercises and wearing compression stocking) in patients with mild (early) lower limb lymphoedema. In fact, the investigators want to determine the sample size for a trial investigating the effectiveness of MLD and want to investigate the feasibility of the study design.
Imaging Biomarkers of Lymphatic Dysfunction
Secondary LymphedemaPersons with secondary arm and/or upper quadrant lymphedema following cancer therapies commonly are prescribed complete decongestive therapy as a course of management of their lymphedema. The investigators will perform a repeated-measures cross-over trial to test the hypothesis that mobilization of protein enriched hardened tissue using graded negative pressure therapy in conjunction with complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is more effective to standard CDT alone for secondary lymphedema management.
Myofascial Massage for Pain and Immobility Following Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast CancerMastectomy; Lymphedema3 moreAbout 25-50% of women who undergo breast cancer surgery develop persistent chest wall pain and shoulder mobility limitations following surgery. The pain and mobility limitations adversely affect quality of life, sleep, and body image. Unfortunately, current treatments for pain and mobility limitations have variable efficacy. Based on a review of relevant pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors, investigators reasoned that myofascial massage may address contributors to pain and mobility limitations following breast cancer surgery. Investigators propose a randomized controlled trial looking at myofascial massage compared to a light touch group to look at the effects on pain and immobility following breast cancer surgery.
The LYMPH Trial - Surgical Versus Conservative Complex Physical Decongestion Therapy for Chronic...
LymphedemaBreast CancerThe aim of this study is to test whether lymphatic surgery provides better QoL (assessed with the Lymph-ICF-UL, (Lymphedema Functioning Disability and health questionnaire for upper limb lymphedema)) 15 months after randomization (and therefore about one year after surgery) compared to conservative treatment only for patients with chronic lymphedema (LE)
Effects of a Manual Therapy Program to Reduce the Evolution Time of Axillary Web Syndrome
Breast CancerMastectomy; Lymphedema4 moreABSTRACT Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, with more than a million new cases annually. One of the most frequent surgical and post-actinic sequelae and well known is postmastectomy lymphedema. The axillary web syndrome is another sequel that limits the functionality of the patient and delays the protocol times of application of treatments cancer, and in many cases this sequela is misdiagnosed. This surgical sequelusually disappears spontaneously after the third month of appearance, but this implies a long period of discomfort and limitations for the user, at the same time that it may delay the application of Radiotherapy within the indicated protocol deadlines (due to the need for a body posture with abduction and flexion of the affected upper limb for its application and with the lymphatic thrombus is impossible to get). With the present quasi-experimental study, the investigator intend to show that the application of Kinesitherapy and stretching from the beginning of the appearance of the cord, in a controlled and scheduled way by the physiotherapist, it is possible to reduce the time in which the lymphatic thrombus is present, and therefore, recover functionality, mobility, reduce pain and be able to apply the patients´ treatments within of the established deadlines. The investigator intend to apply this therapy in the intervention group and compare thrombus evolution times with the control group.
Effect of ALND With Vein Branches Reservation on Postoperative Upper Limb Edema and Dysfunction...
Breast Cancer LymphedemaThe purpose of this study is to compare the effects of axillary lymph node dissection with or without axillary vein branches reservation on the affected upper limb edema and dysfunction in breast cancer patients, and to explore the solutions to prevent the affected upper limb edema and dysfunction after ALND.
Prospective Comparison of Single-Injection Serratus Anterior Plane Block With Ropivacaine Versus...
Mastectomy; LymphedemaTo evaluate whether a serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is more effective than a local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) with an equal dose and same anesthetic performed by the surgeon, as an adjuvant to treat postoperative pain after unilateral mastectomy.
Breaststroke Swimming After Breast Cancer Treatment/Surgery as a Means of Treatment for Seroma,...
LymphedemaSeroma4 moreFollowing surgery and treatment for breast cancer, many patients experience swelling of lymph nodes (lymphedema) or accumulation of fluid (seroma) that can cause pain, restrict movement, and reduce quality of life. Current treatments include massage, pressure dressings, and drainage, but these are often ineffective and do not last. Physical activity, in particular swimming, has been linked to improvement in lymphedema/seroma symptoms, but more research is required to determine whether or not this type of treatment is effective.