Early Diagnosis and Risk Factors for Lymphedema following Lymph Node Dissection for Gynecologic Cancer

Early Diagnosis and Risk Factors for Lymphedema following Lymph Node Dissection for Gynecologic Cancer.

**My only concern here is the way they reported one stat. In reporting that 50 individuals had dermal backflow (triggering swelling?). They weren't clear about this AND they reported all had symptoms go away within 3 months.  What that tells me (just a humble patient) is that these individual are very likely going to show up with lower limb LE during their life time.  The over all stats for gynecological cancer does in some cases, run about 50%. - Pat**

Early Diagnosis and Risk Factors for Lymphedema following Lymph Node Dissection for Gynecologic Cancer.

Feb 2013

Akita S, Mitsukawa N, Rikihisa N, Kubota Y, Omori N, Mitsuhashi A, Tate S, Shozu M, Satoh K.

Source

Chiba City, Japan From the Departments of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery and Reproductive Medicine, Chiba University, Faculty of Medicine.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Although early diagnosis is important for selecting an effective surgical treatment for secondary lymphedema, an efficient screening test for detecting early-stage lymphedema has not yet been established. Serial changes of lymphatic function before and after lymph node dissection and risk factors for secondary lymphedema are important indicators.

METHODS:
A prospective cohort observational study was conducted with 100 consecutive gynecologic cancer patients who underwent pelvic lymph node dissection. Lymphatic function was assessed by noninvasive lymphography using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging on a routine schedule. Earliest findings after lymphadenectomy and risk factors for lower leg lymphedema were investigated.

RESULTS:
Atypical transient dermal backflow patterns were observed in an early postoperative period in 50 cases, all of which disappeared within 3 months. Of these patterns, the splash pattern was observed in 31 patients, of which five improved to normal following a natural course. In contrast, the stardust pattern was observed in 27 patients, and none had improved with conservative therapy. Postoperative radiotherapy was a significant risk factor for the stardust pattern.

CONCLUSIONS:
All patients who undergo lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies should be examined for secondary lower extremity lymphedema by qualitative evaluation methods on a routine schedule to determine the earliest possible diagnosis. Because the splash pattern on indocyanine green lymphography is a reversible lymphatic disorder following a natural course, surgical treatments are not recommended. The decision regarding surgical treatment can be made after observing the stardust pattern.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Diagnostic, IV.

Pub Med

Physiotherapeutic stimulation: Early prevention of lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer treatment

Physiotherapeutic stimulation: Early prevention of lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer treatment

Authors: Almir J. Sarri, Sonia M. Moriguchi, Rogério Dias, Stela V. Peres, Eduardo T. Da Silva, Kátia H. Koga, Ângelo G.Z. Matthes, Marcelo J. Dos Santos, Euclides T. Da Rocha, Raphael L. Haikel

Affiliations: Department of Physiotherapy, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. almirsarri@hotmail.com

Doi: 10.3892/etm_00000024

Pages: 147-152

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of early physiotherapeutic stimulation for lymphatic flow progression in patients with breast cancer undergoing axillary dissection. This was a randomized experimental study on 22 patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy in their arms on two different occasions, firstly without stimulation and secondly after randomization into two groups: without physiotherapeutic stimulation (WOPS; n=10) and with physiotherapeutic stimulation (WPS; n=12). The lymphoscintigraphy scan was performed with 99mTc-phytate administered into the second interdigital space of the hand, ipsilaterally to the dissected axilla, in three phases: dynamic, static, and delayed whole body imaging. Physiotherapeutic stimulation was carried out using Földi's technique. In both groups, images from the two examinations of each patient were compared. Flow progression was considered positive when, on the second examination, the radiopharmaceutical reached areas more distant from the injection site. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate frequencies, percentages and central trend measurements, and non-parametric tests were conducted. Descriptive analysis showed that the WPS and WOPS groups were similar in terms of mean age, weight, height, body mass index and number of lymph nodes removed. There were statistically significant associations between physiotherapeutic stimulation and radiopharmaceutical progression at all three phases of the study.

Early physiotherapeutic stimulation in breast cancer patients undergoing radical axillary dissection is effective, and can therefore be indicated as a preventive measure against lymphedema. 

Spandidos Publications