Lymphedema Hospitalization Program for Learning Self-care

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Lymphedema Hospitalization Program for Learning Self-care. Method: We performed a retrospective study for 17 patients (24 limbs) with leg lymphedema who underwent the hospitalization program. All were female with a mean age of 70.4 years. The mean duration of hospitalization was 24.5 days and the mean follow-up period was 8.2 months. Lymphedema therapists instructed the patients how to perform compression therapy after discharge and physiotherapists instructed them to exercise. Limb circumference and quadriceps muscle strength were evaluated. Results: The mean limb circumferences (sum of 6 points) decreased significantly from admission to discharge (240.3 cm and 214.3 cm, respectively, p<0.01), and were maintained after discharge (212.3 cm). The quadriceps femoris muscle strength increased significantly during hospitalization (p<0.01). Conclusions: Lymphedema Hospitalization Program for Learning Self-care showed positive results not only during hospitalization but also during the maintenance phase after discharge.