A CASE OF LYMPHORRHEA FOLLOWING AXILLARY SURGERY. PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION

Authors

  • M Torres-Lacomba Fisioterapeuta. Doctora por la Universidad de Alcalá. Profesora Titular de Universidad. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidad de Alcalá. Alcalá de Henares. España Author
  • E Cerezo-Téllez Fisioterapeuta. Máster en Fisioterapia Manual del Aparato Locomotor por la Universidad de Alcalá. Becaria de Investigación. Unidad Docente Asistencial y de Investigación en Fisioterapia. Departamento de Fisiotera- pia. Universidad de Alcalá. Alcalá de Henares. España Author

Keywords:

breast cancer, axillary dissection, lymphorrhea, seroma, Physiotherapy.

Abstract

 Background: lymphorrea is a common side effect of axillary clearance of breast cancer surgery and can occur in 15-45% of patients undergoing breast surgery and axillary lymph-node dissection. Many methods of prevention and treatment have been proposed to decrease its incidence and its complications, but Physiotherapy is not among these procedures. Lymphorrea can cause seroma and infection. Purpose: to report the physiotherapy intervention in suppurating lymphorrhea, and to evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of resulting oedema, preventing complications such as seroma. Case report: the patient was a 48-year-old woman underwent breast cancer surgery including axillary lymph-node dissection with lymphorrhea suppurating through a point of suture of the axillary scar 15 days after the intervention. The management included manual lymph drainage combined with education. Outcomes: following 7 physical therapy interventions the lymphorrea stopped with no more complications. Conclusion: this case shows the Physical Therapy as an alternative to medical treatment of lymphorrea, preventing its potential complications.

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Published

2010-06-30

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 3 (2010): Year 2010, Volume 39 Issue 3

Section

case study

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How to Cite

Torres-Lacomba, M., & Cerezo-Téllez, E. (2010). A CASE OF LYMPHORRHEA FOLLOWING AXILLARY SURGERY. PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION. Cuestiones De Fisioterapia, 39(3), 199-204. http://cuestionesdefisioterapia.es/index.php/cf/article/view/271