The effect of Combined Decongestive Therapy and pneumatic compression pump on body image in women with breast cancer related lymphedema

Introduction: Patients with breast cancer who have two positive axillary lymph nodes, along with mastectomy, they undergo axillary node dissection. Lymphedema after axillary surgery is a feared complication. This women experience pain and body image impairments. Any intervention to reduce lymphedema, affects the body image of these patients. Method: This study is a randomized, single-blind clinical trial that ۱۱۲ women with breast cancer related lymphedema participated. After collecting data through a questionnaire of body image and relationships scale, the community was randomly divided in to experimental (۵۴) and control (n = ۵۸) groups. For the experimental group, Combined Decongestive Therapy and pneumatic compression pump was performed by an educated nurse, twice a week for six consecutive months. The control group was placed on the waiting list to be treated after the end of intervention in the experimental group. At the end of intervention, two groups completed the questionnaire again. Data was analyzed in SPSS software (version ۱۷). Findings:After the intervention the mean score of health and strength, social barriers and appearance and sexuality as well as total score in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group, which was significant except for social barriers in the other factors (p˂ ۰.۰۵). The highest mean increase was observed in the health and strength fact. conclusion:  The results showed that combined decongestive therapy and compression pump are effective on the body image and social interactions in the patients, which affects the body image of patients more than their social interactions. Therefore, combined decongestive therapy and pneumatic compression pump along with psychological interventions are recommended to reduce the physical and psychological complications in these patients.  

Keywords:

Lymphedeme , Breast Cancer , Body Image , Combined Decongestive Therapy , تورم لنفاوی , سرطان پستان , تصویر ذهنی , احتقان زدایی ترکیبی