Brorson H, Ohlin K, Olsson G, Långström G, Wiklund I, Svensson H, et al.
Lymphology. Date of publication 2006 Mar 1;volume 39(1):8-25.
1. Lymphology. 2006 Mar;39(1):8-25.
Quality of life following liposuction and conservative treatment of arm
lymphedema.
Brorson H(1), Ohlin K, Olsson G, Långström G, Wiklund I, Svensson H.
Author information:
(1)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lund University, Malmö
University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. hakan.brorson@med.lu.se
Arm lymphedema can produce an additional burden from a psychosocial point of
view. Although edema reduction through treatment can be an advantage in terms of
reduced weight of the arm and simplified clothing needs, the purpose of the
present study was to register changes in psychosocial parameters during one year
after treatment. Thirty-five patients underwent liposuction combined with
postoperative CCT (Controlled Compression Therapy), while 14 received CCT alone.
Edema volume and range of motion in the shoulder joint were measured and effects
on quality of life were assessed with various questionnaires. Liposuction+CCT
removed the arm lymphedema completely, whereas CCT alone reduced it by half. The
treatments improved range of motion in the shoulder joint and patients' quality
of life in relationship to the volume reduction. Liposuction+CCT improves
patients' quality of life, particularly qualities related to the volume reduction
and hence qualities associated with everyday activities. CCT is beneficial too,
but the effect is less obvious than when combined with surgery, probably because
the edema reduction is less. The consequences of arm lymphedema for more
psychologically oriented qualities and social life in general seem to be less
serious and we found few notable effects of treatment in these domains.
PMID: 16724506 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
