Ochalek, K., Gradalski, T., & Szygula, Z. (2014). Five-year assessment of maintenance combined physical therapy in postmastectomy lymphedema. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 13, 54–58.
To analyze the outcome of maintenance combined physical therapy (MCPT) for five years in patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema
This was a review of the outcomes of MCPT after five years in patients with lymphedema after unilateral mastectomies, noting adherence to therapy and garments as prescribed. Maintenance consisted of compression garments, a program of physical exercise, preventive and hygiene education, and regular follow-up visits every six months. Outcomes were compared between those who continued regular follow-up and those who did not.
Descriptive
Factors determining effectiveness included access to treatment. Patients who completed initial CPT and regularly followed up showed a reduction in volume and maintained this reduction.
Adherence to long-term therapy is important for successful maintenance. Identifying barriers such as access to treatment, financial issues related to garments, and perceived barriers to maintenance, which was not fully addressed in this article, is important.