Assessing local tissue edema in postmastectomy lymphedema.

Influence of compression cycle time and number of sleeve chambers on upper extremity lymphedema volume reduction during intermittent pneumatic compression.

The cycle time and number of chambers in the pneumatic sleeve may influence the outcome of lymphedema therapy with intermittent compression devices. The aim of our study was to assess efficacy of several commonly used different IPC protocols on edema volume reduction in women with postmastectomy lymphedema. Fixty-seven (57) women with secondary arm lymphedema (age 39-80) were selected to the st...

Transcutaneous oxygen tension in arms of women with unilateral postmastectomy lymphedema.

Previous reports suggest that skin blood flow is reduced in arms of women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment. Since tissue oxygenation depends on blood flow, we sought to determine if transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) is also reduced and if so, if therapy that reduces edema has a beneficial effect. TcPO2 was measured in fibrotic areas of affected arms and in corresponding sites ...

Evidence-Based Analysis of Lymph Node Transfer in Postmastectomy Upper Extremity Lymphedema

Effect of home-based exercise program on lymphedema and quality of life in female postmastectomy patients: pre-post intervention study.

Lymphedema is a debilitating complication following mastectomy, affecting the arm functions and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer patients. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of upper-limb exercises on lymphedema in clinical settings. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the effect of home-based exercises on lymphedema; therefore, we examined the effect of a home-based e...

Treatment of postmastectomy lymphedema with low-level laser therapy: a double blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND The current study describes the results of a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single crossover trial of the treatment of patients with postmastectomy lymphedema (PML) with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). METHODS Participants received placebo or one cycle or two cycles of LLLT to the axillary region of their affected arm. They were monitored for reductions in affected l...