Physiotherapy to prevent lymphoedaema after breast cancer surgery

[kkmalaysia]

A study in Madrid, Spain, has confirmed that early postoperative physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection prevents lymphoedaema.

A total of 120 women were randomized to physiotherapy (manual lymph drainage, massage of the scar, progressive active and active-assisted shoulder exercises, and education) or no physiotherapy after operation. Lymphoedaema developed in 7% (physiotherapy) vs 25% (controls). The average increase in volume ratio (affected arm: unaffected) was 1.6% vs 5.1%. The time to onset of lymphoedaema was four times longer in the physiotherapy group.

Early physiotherapy reduces the risk of postoperative lymphoedaema in the first year.

Lacomba MT et al. Effectiveness of early physiotherapy to prevent lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer: randomized, single blinded, clinical trial. BMJ 2010; 340:140 (b5396); Cheville A. Prevention of lymphoedema after axillary surgery for breast cancer. Ibid: 110–111 (b5235) (editorial).