Neoplasms

Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

All Conditions

Blood and Lymph Conditions

Symptoms and General Pathology

Breast Neoplasms

Lymphedema

Breast Cancer Lymphedema

Breast Diseases

Skin Diseases

Lymphatic Diseases

Postoperative Complications

This group received Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy.

This group received Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, and also applying taping to anastomosis regions.

This group received CDP, which include MLD, short-stretch bandages, lymph-reducing exercises, and skin care. MLD was applied to the anterior trunk, posterior trunk, and the base of the neck, progressing to the affected limb. Short-stretch bandages were applied in multiple layers after MLD. A low pH skin lotion was applied prior to bandaging and then stockinette was placed on the arm. The fingers and the hand were wrapped in gauze. A layer of cotton was wrapped around the arm. Bandages (6, 8 and/or 10cm) were sequentially applied in a spiral fashion around the limb with the smallest bandage starting at the hand. The most compression was at the most distal points and gradually decreased proximally. Exercises were done by patients to improve mobility and enhance lymphatic flow.

Decongestive Physiotherapy

This group received CDP as same protocol of active comparator. In addition, Kinesiotaping was applied to anterior and posterior axillo-axillary anastomosis and axillo-inguinal anastomosis. The tape was started on the unaffected side and strips of tape were applied so as to reach the affected side regarding anterior and posterior axillo-axillary anastomosis. For axillo-inguinal anastomosis, the tape was started in the inguinal region of the affected side and strips of tape were applied so that they reached the axillary region.

Decongestive Physiotherapy plus taping

Gülbin Ergin, PhD

Didem Karadibak, Prof.

Tuğba Yavuzşen, Prof.

One of the most common conservative treatments of lymphoedema is Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). The bandage is one of the most important components of the treatment process. The multilayer short-stretch bandage is used to maintain volume reduction and prevent lymph backflow caused by compression. However, some patients refuse or postpone treatment or show a lower compliance with compression bandaging.Kinesio® Tex tape (KT) is a new technique for managing lymphoedema in the field of physical and alternative therapy, and it may affect decongestion of lymphatic fluid accumulated under the skin. Some studies which showed that KT was an effective for patients with BCRL, it was applied on both the affected arm and anastomosis. One of these studies also reported that a significant reduction in limb volume in patients who were applied of the tape only to the affected arm. This significant effect could also be seen by applying KT only to the anastomosis. In literature, however, there is no evidence to support this theory. So the aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of KT which was applied to anastomotic regions along with CDP in the management of BCRL.

Effectiveness of Taping on Anastomotic Regions in Patients With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema

Effectiveness of Kinesio® Taping on Anastomotic Regions in Patients With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema: A Randomized Controlled Study

Limb size was quantified by using circumferential limb measurements. Measurements were taken with patients in a prone position and the arm abducted at 30°. The circumference was measured every 5cm, starting at the ulnar styloid and continuing 45cm proximally for both limbs. Limb volume was calculated for each segment by using the frustum formula. Frustum formula is a mathematical method for calculating limb volume based on the circumference measures, and this formula gives the result in milliliters. Limb measuring was carried out at the beginning of and after treatment (twenty sessions).

Dokuz Eylul University

Principal Investigator

Skin deterioration was expected due to bandage or taping, however, any skin allergy or wounds have not occurred in all patients.

This group received Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy.

Decongestive Physiotherapy: This group received CDP, which include MLD, short-stretch bandages, lymph-reducing exercises, and skin care. MLD was applied to the anterior trunk, posterior trunk, and the base of the neck, progressing to the affected limb. Short-stretch bandages were applied in multiple layers after MLD. A low pH skin lotion was applied prior to bandaging and then stockinette was placed on the arm. The fingers and the hand were wrapped in gauze. A layer of cotton was wrapped around the arm. Bandages (6, 8 and/or 10cm) were sequentially applied in a spiral fashion around the limb with the smallest bandage starting at the hand. The most compression was at the most distal points and gradually decreased proximally. Exercises were done by patients to improve mobility and enhance lymphatic flow.

This group received Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, and also applying taping to anastomosis regions.

Decongestive Physiotherapy plus taping: This group received CDP as same protocol of active comparator. In addition, taping was applied to anterior and posterior axillo-axillary anastomosis and axillo-inguinal anastomosis. The tape was started on the unaffected side and strips of tape were applied so as to reach the affected side regarding anterior and posterior axillo-axillary anastomosis. For axillo-inguinal anastomosis, the tape was started in the inguinal region of the affected side and strips of tape were applied so that they reached the axillary region.

Decongestive Physiotherapy Plus Taping

Total

Age, Continuous

Four patients in control group excluded from the study due to not completed the study

Study title	NCT ID	Conditions	Interventions	Eligibility	Organization	Link
Effectiveness of Taping on Anastomotic Regions in Patients With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema	NCT03765996	Breast Cancer L... Compression Ban... Manual Lymphati...	Decongestive Ph... Decongestive Ph...	18 Years -	Dokuz Eylul University
Effectiveness of Taping on Anastomotic Regions in Patients With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema	NCT03765996	Breast Cancer L... Compression Ban... Manual Lymphati...	Decongestive Ph... Decongestive Ph...	18 Years -	Dokuz Eylul University

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