Article

Secondary lymphedema (SL) following breast cancer is a well-known
complication following surgery or radiation. SL may result in loss of functional
ability, cosmetic deformities, physical discomfort, recurrent episodes of
erysipelas, and psychological distress. There is no evidence as to what is the
most effective treatment for SL. METHODS: This randomized controlled pilot study
included 10 patients treated for SL following breast cancer. The patients were
included and screened for SL by a physiotherapist. They were randomized to
treatment with CDP with Kinesio Textape or bandage for 4 weeks. Endpoints were
quality of life, circumference of the arm, costs, and working environment for the
physiotherapist. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable according to baseline
data. Outcomes on quality of life, costs, and working environment for the
physiotherapist; the treatment with CDP with tape was superior to the CDP with
bandage treatment. In regard to reducing the circumference there was no
difference. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled pilot study shows that CDP
with tape can be an alternative to CDP with bandage. The quality of life is
higher, the economy and working environment is better, and the effect measured by
circumference is comparable. More RCTs are required to increase the evidence for
CDP with tape. IMPLICATIONS: Treating lymphedema with CDP with tape after breast
cancer is a good alternative to CDP with bandage and makes it possible to treat
more patients with less resources.

Langue : ANGLAIS