The efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression as a substitute for manual lymphatic drainage in complete decongestive therapy in the treatment of breast cancer related lymphedema.

The efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression as a substitute for manual lymphatic drainage in complete decongestive therapy in the treatment of breast cancer related lymphedema. Lymphology. 2019;52(2):82-91 Authors: Sanal-Toprak C, Ozsoy-Unubolo T, Bahar-Ozdemir Y, Akyuz G Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) as a substitute for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for treatment of advanced stages of breast cancer-related lymphedema. In this randomized, single-blind, controlled study, 46 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema were divided into 2 groups. Both MLD with compression bandage (CB) group (n=24) and IPC with CB group (n=22) received treatment 3 days a week for 5 weeks. Home exercise program was also given to all patients. At the end of the 5th week, patients were treated with a daily 23-hour compression garment and home exercise routines. Assessments were taken at baseline, the fifth week, and the third month. Arm circumference was measured at 5 different areas, shoulder range of motion (ROM) was evaluated with a goniometer, pain, and tightness, and heaviness sensations were assessed with visual analog scale. Both groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between groups and both groups showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in the five measu...
Source: Lymphology - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Lymphology Source Type: research