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Objective: It has been frequently observed that patients with lymphedema experience problems that impair quality of life (QoL), such as pain, edema and sleep disturbances. The positive effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on pain, extremity volume and QoL have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on sleep quality, pain, extremity volume, and QoL of the first phase of CDT applied to patients who developed lymphedema after cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 48 female patients with unilateral lymphedema (23 breast cancer and 25 urogynaecological cancer) who developed upper or lower extremity lymphedema after cancer surgery. The patients were questioned about QoL, pain, extremity volume, medical history, and demographic data before starting treatment. Then CDT was applied five days a week for three weeks, as a total of 15 sessions, after which the patients were re-evaluated. Pain severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, QoL with the lymphedema QoL questionnaire, and extremity volume was measured and calculated using the Frustum formula. Results: A significant improvement was detected in pain (p<0.001), extremity volume (p=0.015), sleep quality (p<0.001) and overall QoL score (p=0.012) in the group that developed lymphedema in the upper extremity after treatment. A significant improvement was achieved in pain (p<0.001), extremity volume (p<0.001), sleep quality (p<0.001) and overall QoL score (p<0.001) in the group that developed lymphedema in the lower extremity. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate the effects of CDT on sleep quality while confirming its therapeutic effects on pain, extremity volume and QoL in patients who developed lymphedema after cancer surgery. When treating sleep disturbances in lymphedema patients, it is important to consider the therapeutic benefits of CDT on sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anatolian Journal of General Medical Research is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences / İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Istanbul Gelisim Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Yuksekokulu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal / İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Health Sciene Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal / İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Health Sciene Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Exercise Therapy & Rehabilitation is the property of Yavuz Yakut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Design: Skin barrier function in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) has rarely been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and sebum level (SL) on the skin of the lymphedema arm in comparison to the skin of the healthy contralateral arm in BCRL patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 female patients with unilateral BCRL. TEWL, SCH, and SL were measured using Tewameter®, Corneometer®, and Sebumeter®, respectively. Measurements were taken in each patient's lymphedema arms and healthy contralateral arm. The volar/dorsal regions of the forearm and the dorsal region of the upper arm were determined as measurement sites. Results: In all three measurement areas, there was no significant difference in SCH or SL between the skin of the lymphedema arm and the skin of the healthy contralateral arm. TEWL was significantly higher on the skin of the lymphedema arm than on the healthy arm for the volar forearm regions (p=0.007). However, there was no significant difference in TEWL between the skin of the lymphedema arm and the skin of the healthy contralateral arm in the dorsal forearm or dorsal upper arm region. Conclusion: This study showed that there was no difference in skin barrier functions in the lymphedema arm compared with the healthy contralateral arm, except for higher TEWL in the skin of the volar forearm region of the lymphedema arm in BCRL patients. The detection of changes in skin barrier function in BCRL patients may help in the regulation of optimal skin care of these patients' lymphedema arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a patient with lymphedema who experienced an osteoporotic vertebral fracture following lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB). A 66-year-old woman with intractable lymphedema of the right leg went through surgery for cervix cancer. Because she was resistant to conventional treatments, we planned to commence LSGB treatment. Thus, she received two sessions of LSGB administered with a steroid and local anesthetic mixture. After the second session, the patient underwent severe lumbar pain. After thorough anamnesis and physical examination, we decided to use magnetic resonance imaging to rule out the possibility of metastasis. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, which was assessed by an expert spine radiologist, revealed an osteoporotic fracture of the L4 vertebra. The patient's severe pain considerably diminished in the third month after beginning antiosteoporotic and analgesic medications, orthosis, and exercises. We speculate that the use of steroids in LSGB may lead to osteoporotic vertebral fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphedema occurs with the accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid in the skin and subcutaneous tissue due to the disorder in the lymphatic system. Lymphedema, which occurs due to the disruption of the functioning of this system, negatively affects the patient physiologically and psychologically. Lymphedema may occur due to primary and secondary causes. The most common cause of primary lymphedema is agenesis of lymph nodes or hypoplasia of lymphatic vessels. While the most common cause of secondary lymphedema is seen after cancer surgery in developed countries, it occurs due to parasites in developing countries. The diagnosis is made by clinical, physical examination and imaging methods. The first goal in the treatment of lymphedema is to bring the extremity to a normal or near-normal size and to prevent complications. Here, two case reports related to venous insufficiency and congenital lymph node deficiency, which are rare causes of lymphedema, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Osmangazi Journal of Medicine / Osmangazi Tip Dergisi is the property of Eskisehir Osmangazi University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Isolated congenital lymphedema is very rare and its incidence is reported as 1.15 per 100,000 under the age of 20. Lymphedema may develop primarily (idiopathic) due to congenital hypoplasia or absence of the superficial lymphatic system or due to a secondary disorder. Although the main cause of this disease is unknown, it is reported that the lymphatic vessels are hypoplastic in most cases. While congenital lymphedema is usually seen as localized edema in one or more extremities, it may be also rarely occurred in the penis and scrotal region without edema in the extremities. There is not a specific treatment in this disorder, however rarely the lymphedema can be regressessed spontaneously. Herein, we reported a premature case diagnosed with congenital penile lymphedema due to its rarity and regressed spontaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences / İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Istanbul Gelisim Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Yuksekokulu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Diarrhea following bariatric surgery may be secondary to multiple causes. The aim of the present study is to report a significant reduction in episodes of diarrhea with the stimulation of the lymphatic system in a patient with postbariatric diarrhea using the Godoy method for the treatment for lymphedema. Case Report: A 40-year-old female patient with obesity was submitted to bariatric surgery, type Gastric bypass (roo-en-wy), 13 years ago. Beginning immediately after surgery, the patient began to have around 12 episodes of diarrhea per day for approximately 11 years. The patient also had lower limb lymphedema and was sent to the Clínica Godoy-Brazil for treatment. The patient underwent the Godoy Method® of intensive treatment for lymphedema. However, the most important finding was the immediate reduction in the number of episodes of diarrhea per day, which went from 12-13 to 2-3 after only one day of treatment. This result regarding diarrhea has been maintained for two years, with the maximum number of seven episodes on some days, which subsequently returned to two to three episodes. The Godoy intensive lymphedema treatment method was effective at reducing the number of episodes of post-bariatric diarrhea, offering a novel treatment option for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare small lymphatic vessel sealing using LigasureTM (LS) and Hem-o-lok® (HML) clips in an ex vivo canine spermatic cord model. Materials and Methods: Canine testes with spermatic cord attached were harvested. By random distribution, the spermatic cord of each testis was either (i) sealed with LS, (ii) clipped with one HML clip, or (iii) had no intervention. The testis was then injected with a Patent Blue V dye solution. At 5 minutes and 12 hours after injection, the distal spermatic cord was inspected for macroscopically visible dye. One random spermatic cord from each of the LS and HML cohorts free of macroscopic evidence of dye was examined using the frozen section histology of the cross sections proximal and distal to the intervention site to detect the microscopic presence of dye. Results: During the study period, 18 canine testes were harvested. After randomization, five, six, and seven testes were included in the control, HML, and LS groups, respectively. In the control group, all 5 testes had leaked blue dye from the cut end of the spermatic cord at 5 minutes. Further, in the HML group, dye was macroscopically visible distal to the intervention site (intervention failure) in 2 out of 6 cases at 5 minutes. In the LS group, 2 out of 7 testes had leaked blue dye at 5 minutes. All testes that did not fail at 5 minutes also did not fail at 12 hours in both LS and HML groups. Conclusion: LS is an effective alternative option to HML clips to seal small lymphatic vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Traditional Medical Complementary Therapies is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Since lymphedema is generally a chronic and persistive disorder, there is still need to determine the comparative benefits of different therapies for this condition. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively compare the efficacy of different therapy protocols on extremity volume in breast cancer patients with lymphedema (BCRL). Methods: A total of 117 patients with BCRL were selected for the study. The patients were classified in 4 groups. The patients were treated with complex decongestive therapy (CDT) (n:25) in Group 1, with CDT + pneumatic compression therapy (PCT) (n:25) in Group 2, with CDT + PCT+ low- intensity laser therapy (LLT) (n:45) in Group 3, and with PCT+ LLT (n:22) in Group 4. Results: Our analysis between groups suggested statistically significant reduction in the average volume of the upper limbs in all groups (Groups 1, 2, and 3) (p<0.001) except Group 4 (p:0.592). Besides, the results of post-hoc analysis between groups demonstrated a significant difference by means of delta limb volume (p<0.001). We noted that PCT+LLT group caused the statistical difference. The delta values in this group were significantly lower than the other groups. Conclusion: The rationale behind conducting this study was to determine the most effective therapy protocol, and we observed that both CDT alone and CDT combined with PCT and LLT were effective in lymphedema treatment. However, since the PCT and LLT could reduce the volume significantly only in combination with CDT, we cannot conclude that they are effective treatments when applied solely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Amaç: Meme kanseri tedavisi sonrasında hastanın yaşam kalitesini düşüren en önemli şikâyetlerden biri lenfödem gelişimidir. Common toxicity criteria version 5 (CTCv.5) ekstremite ödemini uzuvlar arası en büyük çap farkını = %5 olarak tanımlamaktadır (1). MA.20 çalışmasında lenfödem; vücut kitle indeksi (VKİ), çıkarılan lenf nodu sayısının =8 olması ve nodal radyoterapi alanının genişliği ile ilişkili bulunmuştur (sırasıyla p<0,001, p=0,004 ve p=0,004) (2). START-A çalışmasında 10 yıllık takipte konvansiyonel rejime kıyasla 41,6 Gy / 13 fraksiyon (fr) radyoterapi alan hasta grubunda daha fazla lenfödem görülürken (sırasıyla %16,3 ve %22,5; p = 0,45); 39 Gy / 13 fr radyoterapi alan hasta grubunda daha az lenfödem görülmüştür (sırasıyla %16,3 ve %8,2; p = 0,16). START-B çalışmasında ise konvansiyonel rejime kıyasla 40 Gy / 15 fr radyoterapi alan hasta grubunda daha az lenfödem gözlenmiştir (sırasıyla %13,5 ve %4,7; p=0,21) (3). Bizim çalışmamızın amacı, meme kanserli hastalarda adjuvan radyoterapi sonrası CTCv.5'e göre lenfödemi etkileyen tedaviyle ilişkili faktörleri değerlendirmektedir. Gereç ve Yöntem: 09/07/2020-08/03/2022 tarihleri arasında kliniğimize başvuran meme kanseri tanısı alan ve meme ± lenf nodlarına adjuvan radyoterapi uygulanan, en az 6 aydır takipli 96 hasta çalışmaya dahil edildi. Hastalar VKİ, meme ve aksiller cerrahi yöntemi (meme koruyucu/mastektomi ve aksiller disseksiyon/sentinel lenf nodu disseksiyonu), adjuvan kemoterapi (+/-), aksiller radyoterapi (+/-), radyoterapi şeması (standart/hipofraksiyone) ve adjuvan hormonoterapi (+/-) ile lenfödem ilişkisi açısından CTCv.5'e göre değerlendirilmiştir. İstatistiksel analiz için ki-kare bağımsızlık testi kullanılmış ve p<0,05 değeri anlamlı kabul edilmiştir. Bulgular: Toplam 96 hastanın CTCv.5'e göre değerlendirilmesinde 45 (%45,8) hastada lenfödem tespit edilirken (Şekil 1); iki kol arasındaki çap farkı ortalama %5,7 (0-%34,21) ve 1.38 cm (0-6,5 cm) bulunmuştur. Lenfödem ile ilişkili olabilecek tedavi faktörlerinin karşılaştırması Tablo 1'de özetlenmiştir. Aksiller radyoterapi uygulanmış 44 hasta değerlendirildiğinde hipofraksiyone rejime kıyasla standart radyoterapi şeması lenfödem riskini istatistiksel anlamlı olarak arttırmıştır (p=0,036). Alt gruplar incelendiğinde aksiller radyoterapi ve sentinel lenf nodu disseksiyonu (SLND) uygulanan hastalarda hipofraksiyone rejimin daha güvenli olduğu gözlenirken (p=0,005); aksiller radyoterapi ve aksiller disseksiyon (ALND) uygulanan hastalarda rejimler arası lenfödem gelişiminde istatistiksel anlamlı fark gözlenmemiştir. Sonuç: Meme kanserinde aksillaya yaklaşımda günümüzde kullanımı yaygınlaşan sentinel lenf nodu biyopsisi sonrasında hipofraksiyone radyoterapi uygulanması lenfödem riskini konvansiyonel rejime göre azaltmaktadır. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Bu çalışmada meme kanseri ile ilişkili lenfödem’i (MKİL) olan hastaların klinik özelliklerini tanımlamak, MKİL’in el kas gücü ve fonksiyonlarına etkisini araştırmak amaçlanmıştır.Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya onkolojik rehabilitasyon polikliniğine başvuran MKİL’i olan sağ eli dominant kadınlar dahil edildi. Çalışma prospektif olarak yürütüldü. Tüm hastaların klinik ve demografik bilgileri not edildi, fizik muayeneleri yapıldı. Omuz ağrısı varlığı sorgulandı. Elin kavrama gücünü belirlemek amacıyla Jamar el dinamometresi, parmak ucu kavramalarını değerlendirmek icin pinçmetre kullanıldı. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaman testi ile duyusal kayıplar, el volümetresi ile el volümleri değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Çalışmaya yaş ortalaması 54.5±11.4 (ortalama±SS) olan 32 kadın hasta dahil edildi. Hastaların tamamına aksiller diseksiyon yapılmıştı. Hastaların %62,5’i post- operatif dönemde radyoterapi, %96,9’u kemoterapi almıştı. Hastaların %78,1’i etkilenen tarafta omuz ağrısı olduğunu bildirdi. Sağ tarafı etkilenmiş grupta ve sol tarafı etkilenmiş grupta, sağ el ve sol elin kaba kavrama güçleri, el becerileri, duyu kaybı ve volümleri arasında anlamlı fark saptanmadı. Sol tarafı etkilenmiş grupta sağ elin parmak ucu kavrama gücü ise soldan daha fazlaydı.Sonuç: MKİL’i olan hastalarda aksiler diseksiyon yapılmış olması, post-operatif dönemde kemoterapi ve radyoterapi almış olmak, obezite ve omuz ağrısı sıktır. MKİL’li hastaların değerlendirilmesi ayrıntılı ve çok yönlü olarak yapılmalı ve omuz ağrısının sorgulanması ve el değerlendirmesini de içermelidir.

Copyright of Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate clinical features of patients with breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) and effects of BCRL on hand muscle strength and function. Materials and Methods: Patients applying to oncologic rehabilitation polyclinic with right hand dominancy were included in the study. Clinical and demographic data of all patients were noted, physical examinations were performed. The presence of shoulder pain was questioned. To determine the hand grip strength Jamar hand dynamometer and to evaluate the tip pinch strength pinchmeter were used. Sensory loss was assessed with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, hand volume measurement was made with hand volumeter. Results: Thirty two female patients with mean age 54.5 ± 11. 4 (mean ± SD) were included in the study. Axillary dissection was performed in all patients. 62.5% of patients received radiotherapy in post-operative period, 96.9% received chemotherapy. 78.1% of patients reported that they had shoulder pain on the affected side. In the right side affected group and the left side affected group, there were no significant differences in grip strengths, hand functions, sensory loss and volumes between right and left hands. The tip pinch strength of the right hand was higher than the left side in the left side affected group. Conclusion: In patients with BCRL, having axillary dissection, receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy in post-operative period, obesity and shoulder pain are common. Evaluation of patients with BCRL should be made in details, should be versatile and should include questioning shoulder pain and hand evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphedema is an important life-threatening complication that effects the lifestyle and functions of individuals, causing physical and psychosocial problems and also effects their quality of life negatively. Although its treatment was considered as impossible in the past, today various methods have been suggested in order to prevent lymphedema, controlling the symptoms, reducing complications and treat when it develops. These methods can be aligned as; patient education, skin care, limb elevation, massage and physical therapy, physical activity and exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, self (simple) lymphatic drainage, pneumatic pumps, low level laser therapy, compression bandages and clothing, medical treatment, surgical treatment. Skin care is quite important step in terms of protecting and maintaining integrity of healthy skin, providing hydration of the skin, preventing lymphedema, treating complications of lymphedema, providing patient comfort and reducing the risk of infection. Although there is no evidence that supports the role of skin care for lymphedema; there are common opinions that are being suggested by experts regarding protection of the skin that considered to be a critical component of self-care to reduce the risk of lymphedema or exacerbation of established lymphedema. Therefore, patients with lypmhedema or at risk of developing lymphedema must be educated about proper skin care principles and must be reminded that their cooperation about these principles is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of lymphoscintigraphy imaging in the evaluation of lower extremity lymphedema. Methods: Technetium-99m-labeled nanocolloid was injected subcutaneously in the first web spaces of both feet of 123 patients (M/F: 43/80, mean age 57.5±13.1 years, range 16-78 years) who had clinical evidence of lower extremity swelling with suspicion of lymphedema, and were referred for routine lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphoscintigraphy scan was started as dynamic viewing followed by static whole body imaging at 10 minute, 1 hour and 4 hours after injection. Results: Eighty-seven patients had lymphedema. Patients who had lymphedema were divided into two groups according to their scintigraphy findings: Group I included 58 patients without uptake in the popliteal nodes, and group II included 29 patients with positive popliteal nodes. The rate of popliteal node visualization was higher in patients with dermal backflow as compared to those without dermal backflow (p<0.001). The duration of lymphedema was also longer in patients with dermal backflow and popliteal nodes (p<0.004). Conclusion: Lymphoscintigraphy is a reliable, easily applied and well-tolerated objective method to diagnose lower extremity lymphedema. Uptake by popliteal lymph nodes and the presence of dermal backflow on lymphoscintigraphy, which is performed for evaluation of the lower limb lymphedema, were important signs indicating longer disease duration and higher severity of lymphatic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Lymphedema is a chronic major complication that is seen frequently post-operatively and has negative effects on quality of life. In our study, determining the early-stage postoperative lymphedema frequency and specifying the risk factors in its development has been aimed. Materials and Methods: One hundred one cases that were operated on for breast cancer were evaluated regarding the 12-month control of their clinical specifications, histopathological specifications, and specifications related with the surgical intervention retrospectively. The data related to the parameters envisioned as risk factors were evaluated. Results: Lymphedema development was found in 7 (6.9%) out of 101 cases constituting the study group. No significant difference (p>0.05) in terms of lymphedema development was determined among age, body mass index (BMI), chemotherapy (CT), postoperative seroma or infection, mastectomy with the dominant arm, and breast-conserving surgery (BCS), which were evaluated as risk factors. There was a significance (p<0.05) between the other risk factors, which were axillary dissection (AD), number of positive lymph nodes (LN), radiotherapy (RT), the tumor size (T), and lymphedema existence. In every case in which lymphedema was determined, it was seen that there was axillary LN involvement and 15≤LN were ablated in the dissection (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is seen that AD, RT applied to the breast cancer patients, and T are important risk factors in early-stage lymphedema development. No early-stage lymphedema development was determined in any of the patients to whom sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphedema (LE) is a chronic and progressive condition which is an abnormal retention of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space because of inadequate lymphatic drainage. One of the most important complications of breast surgery is LE that can occur in the arm, hand and trunk. The incidence of breast cancer associated LE is reported 6-30%. The most important risk factors of LE are the type of axillary surgery and amount of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy exposure after surgery. Recent studies showed that sentinel lymph node biopsy replaces axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer treatment. For diagnosis of LE; clinical properties such as the unilateral or asymmetric character of edema, normal skin color, positive Stemmer sign, increased density of edema and extremity pain should be considered. After diagnosis, assessment of the patient includes obtaining information about anamnesis, physical tests, metastasis and risk of deep vein thrombosis. Treatment of the condition can be summarized under the topic of medical treatment, surgery and physiotherapy. Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is accepted as the golden standard for LE treatment. CDT concept consists of four basic components (manual lymph drainage, skin care, compression treatment, therapeutic exercise) and two phases. Finally it should not be forgotten and should be learned that LE is a chronic condition that needs lifelong care. In this review; incidence, risk factors, approaches for protection of this factors, assessment methods and therapy options for LE are have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To reveal experiences of women who develop lymphedema due to primary breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and qualitative research. Twenty women diagnosed with lymphedema due to primary breast cancer were included in the study. Data were collected with a patient characteristics form, a semi-structured interview form and in-depth interviews. Results: Five main themes and subthemes concerning experiences of women developing lymphedema due to primary breast cancer emerged. The main themes were recognizing lymphedema, the physical, emotional and social experiences and expectations from nurses. Conclusion: After developing lymphedema, the women experienced physical difficulties in treatment of lymphedema, self-care, housework, sleeping, job and the season of summer, emotional difficulties including worries about the future and considering themselves as disabled, social difficulties in their relationships with their husbands, children and other members of their families and friends, body image and hobbies. They expected nurses to give information about prevention, treatment and care of lymphedema and wished to receive care from the same nurse. It is recommended that the same nurse should provide care for these patients during treatment of breast cancer (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone-therapy etc.). It is also recommended that education programs should be developed to improve nurses' knowledge about lymphedema due to breast cancer, care for this condition, difficulties experienced by the patients and these patients' expectations from nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Shoulder/arm morbidity is a known complication of breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy (RT), but the consequences of choosing one RT technology over another for shoulder/arm morbidity are not clearly defined. In this work, we examine early breast cancer patients to compare the incidence of shoulder/arm morbidity, including breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) of the arm, between conventional RT and short-course, image-guided RT (IGRT) treatments. Methods: We randomized patients between post-surgery IGRT over 3 weeks and conventional RT over 5 to 7 weeks, as part of the TomoBreast trial (whose primary endpoint was to assess pulmonary and cardiac toxicities). BCRL and shoulder/arm mobility were assessed prior to and between one and three months following RT, using physical function assessment and common terminology criteria for adverse events. Intention to treat analyses used the matched-pairs t-test for continuous measurements and the chi-squared test for categorical data. Results: Analysis of the first 91 evaluable patients found that >80% experienced an increase in the adverse event score in at least one shoulder/arm mobility measurement, and 18% had BCRL symptoms. Arm volume on both sides increased significantly and significant impairment of movement occurred in both limbs. However, there was no significant difference in BCRL incidence or shoulder/arm mobility impairment between the treatment groups. Conclusion: One to three months after treatment, short-course IGRT had not increased shoulder/arm morbidity compared with conventional RT. Although confirmation requires a longer follow-up, the results support the use of a short-course schedule. The incidental finding that morbidity affected the contralateral limb warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]