Articles

EFFECT OF COMPLEX DECONGESTIVE THERAPY ON EDEMA AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL LYMPHEDEMA

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Abstract

There is increasing interest in the health related quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic lymphedema. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for upper limb lymphedema results in long-term changes in lymphedema and QOL, and to determine whether the treatment-induced change in the percentage excess volume (PCEV) is correlated with any changes in QOL. Fifty-three patients who had lymphedema were treated with CDT. PCEV and QOL were recorded before and 1 month after CDT, and at a 6-month follow-up visit. PCEV was significantly (p<0.05) decreased at 1 month, but significantly (p<0.05) increased at 6 months compared to 1 month [but still significantly reduced (p<0.05) from baseline]. The QOL scores at 1 and 6 months were significantly higher than the score at baseline,indicating an improvement in the QOL. Significant changes were evident in the single domains of physical functioning, role-physical,mental health, and general health. The change in PCEV was associated with a change inp hysical functioning, vitality, bodily pain, and general health at 1 and 6 months (p<0.05). This study suggests that QOL significantly improved with upper limb lymphedema during the maintenance phase, which was necessarily correlated with the reduction in limb volume.

Keywords: quality of life, lymphedema, complex decongestive therapy, SF-36, breast cancer

How to Cite:

Kim, S., Yi, C. & Kwon, O., (2007) “EFFECT OF COMPLEX DECONGESTIVE THERAPY ON EDEMA AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL LYMPHEDEMA”, Lymphology 40(3), 143-151.