Vignes, S., Blanchard, M., Arrault, M., & Porcher, R. (2013). Intensive complete decongestive physiotherapy for cancer-related upper-limb lymphedema: 11 days achieved greater volume reduction than 4. Gynecologic Oncology, 131, 127–130. 

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To determine the optimal complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) duration for reduction of lymphedema volume, as well as factors that will predict its success, optimally reducing it from 11 to 4 days

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients were hospitalized in a rehabilitation center for 11 days for CDP. Lymphedema volume was evaluated initially and after 4 and 9 bandages.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 129  
  • MEDIAN AGE = 64 (range = 42–88)
  • FEMALES: 100%
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Breast cancer-related lymphedema

Setting

LOCATION: Paris, France

Study Design

  • Observational

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Wilcoxon’s rank test 
  • Holm’s
  • Logistic regression models 
  • R statistical software, version 2.13.2

Results

Initial lymphedema volume was 907 mL at inclusion, with a significant mean decrease to 712 mL after four days, and 606 mL after 11 days. This corresponds to a 33% total lymphedema volume reduction.

Conclusions

CDP for 11 days had a significantly greater volume reduction of breast cancer-related lymphedema volume than after 4 days.

Limitations

  • Risk of bias (no control group)
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)

 

Nursing Implications

CDP for 11 days may be more effective than only four days and will more significantly improve patients' breast cancer-related lymphedema and may improve patients' overall quality of life more.