Authors (including presenting author) :
Kwok STK(1), Tong MH(1), Wong KMM(1), Chim CK(1), Kwok MLA(1), Leung M(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Community Outreach Service Team, New Territories East Cluster
Introduction :
Lymphedema is one of the most prevalent complications of breast cancer and its treatment. Patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema can experience significant physical impairment and psychosocial impact, which adversely affects their quality of life. Negative pressure massage therapy and Kinesio taping classify as negative pressure technology for lymphatic treatment that act directly or indirectly on lymphatics to relieve lymphedema.
Objectives :
To relieve symptoms of breast cancer-related lymphedema and improve quality of life of patient by Negative Pressure Massage Therapy and Kinesio Taping.
Methodology :
A 64-year-old lady suffered from advance breast cancer presented enlarge fungating ulcerative mass associated with lymphedema and profound lymphorrhoea at right upper limb. She underwent palliative treatment and confined at home due to unmanageable wound and limbs condition Besides community nurses(CN) provided daily visit for wound care, her husband still needed to change the dressing for her at least 2-3 times a day. Manual lymphatic decongestion therapy was exercised but only had short term effect. Negative pressure massage therapy with Kinesio tape were applied to arm and back to facilitate continue lymphatic drainage.
Result & Outcome :
Arm circumferences were measured before and after receiving intervention. The circumference was reduced by 1.5 cm after 3 consecutive treatments in 2 weeks. Exudation and lymphorrhea condition were properly controlled. Resulting in reduced the frequency of dressing changes from 3 to 1 time a day Patient was very satisfied to the treatment which markedly improved her quality of life as the range of motion of the affected limb was improved and less exudative which were significantly interfered her daily activities before. This case study demonstrated that the combined use of negative pressure massage therapy and Kinesio Taping is beneficial in managing patients suffered from breast cancer-related lymphedema. Their symptoms were alleviated, and their quality of life was significantly improved as well.
