OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of early physiotherapy in reducing the risk of secondary lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer. DESIGN Randomised, single blinded, clinical trial. SETTING University hospital in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. PARTICIPANTS 120 women who had breast surgery involving dissection of axillary lymph nodes between May 2005 and June 2007. INTERVE...

OBJECTIVE To explore the perceived unmet needs among women treated for breast cancer and in whom symptoms and signs indicate the presence of lymphoedema. DESIGN Population based cross sectional survey with a purpose designed questionnaire (60 items). SETTING Cancer registries of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. PARTICIPANTS 237 women with symptoms and signs indicative of ly...

1. Fibrosis in lymphoedema and scarring have much in common There is much concern about removing fluid and macromolecules in lymphoedema management. But it is not always remembered that much more of the excess girth in ‘big legs’ is contributed by collagen (Casley-Smith et al, 1980), and it is surprising how this can be reversed, sometimes even in a short time. In a previous publication (Ryan, ...

Referral to specialist centres for treatment of lymphoedema can often have long waiting times. Management of a patient with massive lymphoedema and lymphorrhoea was provided in a vascular outpatient setting. A new form of compression using a wraparound system was used for the management (Juxta-Fit, Medi UK). Despite having previously been non-concordant with treatment options, the patient was i...

P rimary lymphoedema is oedema that occurs as a consequence of a failure of lymph drainage and arises from an intrinsic abnormality of the lymphatic system. Familial lymphoedema usually segregates as an autosomal dominant trait with reported variable expression and reduced penetrance. 3 Primary lymphoedema can be classified according to age of onset, at birth as primary congenital lymphoedema (...

Two patients with lymphoedema of the legs developed recurrent respiratory infections and were found to have panhypogammaglobulinaemia. The early recognition and treatment of this form of immunity deficiency in patients with lymphoedema is important in order to prevent recurrent infections which could cause pulmonary damage and further lymphatic stasis.

The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) has two major goals: to interrupt transmission of the parasite and to provide care for those who suffer the devastating clinical manifestations of the disease (morbidity control). This latter goal addresses three filariasis-related conditions: acute inflammatory episodes; lymphoedema; and hydrocele. Research during the last decade h...

Lymphoedema in children and young people (CYP) can cause significant impact affecting physical, psychological social wellbeing. This audit of 286 CYP with (2015–2018) is the first national cohort reported provides new information on patient outcome (PROM) changes over time. Conservative therapy produced statistically change measures relating to swelling, infection, appearance compression garmen...

Purpose. To assess the quality of life (QOL) as a predictor of volume reduction in women undergoing complex physical therapy (CPT) for lymphoedema following breast cancer. Methods. Clinical trial in 57 women undergoing CPT. Results. At baseline, in measuring quality of life for the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire subscale of functionality, the worst scores for emotional function (55 points) and bet...

BACKGROUND Secondary arm lymphoedema continues to affect at least 20% of women after treatment for breast cancer requiring lifelong professional treatment and self-management. The holistic practice of yoga may offer benefits as an adjunct self-management option. The aim of this small pilot trial was to gain preliminary data to determine the effect of yoga on women with stage one breast cancer-r...