• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.73-84
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• 2022

Background : Lymphedema is a progressive disorder characterized by the impairment of lymph flow from tissues to the blood circulation system. This occurs as a result of damage to the lymphatic system. Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is a multimodal, conservative therapeutic approach that is used for the management of lymphedema. CDT consists of a combination of compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and skin care. Purpose : This study aimed to provide a review of available physical therapy interventions as well as general care guidelines for patients with lymphedema. Methods : The recommendations and guidelines for physical therapy management, medical management, and general information were reviewed from the following sources: 1) The American Physical Therapy Association, 2) The Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, and 3) The International Society of Lymphology. This review contains general information, including the medical management and the importance of physical therapy in lymphedema. Physical therapy management should be based on an assessment of the patients' presenting impairments, including based on inclusion or exclusion of physical therapy interventions. This review also outlines a step-by-step approach that starts with disease diagnosis and progression all the way through to rehabilitation as an outpatient. Conclusion : Depending on the patients' journey to recovery and the requirement for rehabilitation, physical therapy interventions should focus on the patients' needs including pain, appearance, physical function and general rehabilitation. We hope that this review will provide information on evidence-based physical therapy and general care to patients with lymphedema.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.246-253
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• 2021

In order to provide a physiological solution for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), the surgeon must understand where and how the pathology of lymphedema occurred. Based on each patient's pathology, the treatment plan should be carefully decided and individualized. At the authors' institution, the treatment plan is made individually based on each patient's symptoms and relative factors. Most early-stage patients first undergo decongestive therapy and then, depending on the efficacy of the treatment, a surgical approach is suggested. If the patient is indicated for surgery, all the points of lymphatic flow obstruction are carefully examined. Thus a BCRL patient can be considered for lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), a lymph node flap, scar resection, or a combination thereof. LVA targets ectatic superficial collecting lymphatics, which are located within the deep fat layer, and preoperative mapping using ultrasonography is critical. If there is contracture on the axilla, axillary scar removal is indicated to relieve the vein pressure and allow better drainage. Furthermore, removing the scars and reconstructing the fat layer will allow a better chance for the lymphatics to regenerate. After complete removal of scar tissue, a regional fat flap or a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with lymph node transfer is performed. By deciding the surgical planning for BCRL based on each patient's pathophysiology, optimal outcomes can be achieved. Depending on each patient's pathophysiology, LVA, scar removal, vascularized lymph node transfer with a sufficient adipocutaneous flap, and simultaneous breast reconstruction should be planned.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.27-31
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• 2009

목적: 림프부종은 림프계 이상으로 림프액 이동이 원활하지 못하여 생기는 팔다리 조직의 팽창을 의미한다. 현재 가장 효과적인 치료법은 복합적인 림프부종 치료법이지만 이 치료는 수술적 치료가 요구되는 환자에게는 효과가 없다. 이번 연구에서는 물리 치료법에 실패한 환자의 피하 지방조직에 비침습적 바늘 흡인술을 실시하여 그 효과를 알아보고자 하였다. 방법: 2003년 8월 1일부터 2004년 2월 28일까지 일개대학 병원 림프부종 클리닉에 방문하여 상하지 림프부종 2${\sim}$3기를 진단받은 환자를 대상으로 실시하였다. 모든 환자는 1년 이상 복합적인 림프부종 치료법을 실시하였으나 치료에 반응이 없었으며 9명의 환자는 유방암, 12명의 환자는 자궁경부암 환자였다. 치료 전 자기공명영상(MRI)을 실시하여 부종이 가장 심한 부위를 찾아 바늘 흡인술을 실시한 후 3개월 동안 추적 관찰하였다. 치료의 효과는 치료 전과 치료 3개월 후 부종 부피를 계산하여 Wilcoxon signed rank-test를 통해 비교하였다. 결과: 치료 전과 치료 3개월 후의 평균 부종 감소율은 29.1%였다(P=0.001). 국소적 출혈 이외 다른 특별한 부작용은 없었다. 결론: 바늘 흡인술은 복합적인 림프부종 치료법에 반응이 없는 림프부종 2, 3기 환자에게 수술에 앞서 고려해볼 수 있는 안전하고 효과적인 방법이다.