A retrospective study of lymphatic transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous/deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast cancer treatment-induced upper-limb lymphoedema
Abstract Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a common and intractable complication. To evaluate the possible complications of using lymphatic transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous/deep inferior epigastric perforator (TRAM/DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction and BCRL treatment, 20 patien...
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Autores principales: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Formato: | article |
Lenguaje: | EN |
Publicado: |
Nature Portfolio
2017
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Materias: | |
Acceso en línea: | https://doaj.org/article/984d04a17b484fdf9a9af754bd85d631 |
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Sumario: | Abstract Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a common and intractable complication. To evaluate the possible complications of using lymphatic transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous/deep inferior epigastric perforator (TRAM/DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction and BCRL treatment, 20 patients with moderate or severe BCRL were retrospectively enrolled between November 2012 and October 2014. 10 patients had undergone lymphatic TRAM/DIEP flap surgery were assigned to the surgery group. 10 patients unwilling to undergo reconstruction were assigned to the physiotherapy group treated with traditional physical therapy. Upper-limb movement and circumference were measured and patients’ subjective assessment was assessed using a questionnaire. In the surgery group, all flaps were successfully transferred. BCRL in 8 patients was improved by one level. The upper-limb circumference returned to normal in 1 case, and only 1 patient did not improve. In the physiotherapy group, a slight improvement was noted in 6 patients and unchanged in four cases. From the questionnaires, patients underwent lymphatic TRAM/DIEP flap surgery reported a significantly greater improvement in the affected limb (p < 0.05). In the physiotherapy group, the limb subjective did not improve as well as in the surgery group. Lymphatic TRAM/DIEP is a safe and effective option for patients who suffer from post-mastectomy lymphoedema. |
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