Browning, C. (1997). Lymphoedema: Prevalence, risk factors and management: A review of research. Kings Cross, Australia: NHMRC National Breast Cancer Center.
DATABASES USED: Detailed review of evidence undertaken using a MEDLINE search from 1985–1996. Additional references were retrieved from a survey of references in each article and from unpublished and in-press research from key researchers in the area.
INCLUSION CRITERIA: English language; sample size of 20 or more participants; lymphedema related to breast cancer treatment; if other patients were included, at least 20 participants needed to be patients with breast cancer, and data for these patients were reported separately
EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Animal studies and non-English articles were excluded. Articles were excluded if their data were already published, if they were lymphedema-physiology based, if they discussed measurement techniques only, or if they were review articles.
In this review, all studies reported significant improvement. There was no comparison or control group.
Studies were limited by the lack of a control group, and careful patient selection appears key. Not all women benefited, and risks of surgery were not reported.
Not Recommended for Practice