The Effect of Manual Lymph Drainage in the Treatment of Breast Edema

The Effect of Manual Lymph Drainage in the Treatment of Breast Edema That May Occur in Patients Undergoing Breast-conserving Surgery and Adjuvant Radiotherapy-Randomized Controlled Study

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. Breast edema can be seen frequently after BCS and radiotherapy applications. Breast edema affects quality of life and may result in a cosmetically unsatisfactory outcome for the patient. Therefore, it is important to treat and prevent its development. In the light of this information, the present randomized controlled study aims to determine the effect of manual lymph drainage method in the treatment of breast edema in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy
2. Patients with Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection
3. Female patients between the ages of 18-75
4. Patients who cannot read and write Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A previous cancer
2. Decompensated heart failure
3. Untreated congestive heart failure
4. Active infection
5. Uncontrolled hypertension
6. Acute kidney failure
7. Patients with acute deep vein thrombosis
8. Metastasis and/or recurrence during treatment
9. Patients who have undergone another surgery related to the breast and chest area
10. Patients who develop lymphedema in the upper extremity during therapy will be excluded from the study.