Clinical Research Directory

Can Deep Fascial Thickness Predict Treatment Response in Patients With Postmastectomy Lymphedema? An Ultrasonographic Approach

Research and Literature Summary / References (The research summary must not exceed 250 words and must be written in a clear, easily understandable form.) Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease that develops as a result of the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial tissue following disruption of lymphatic drainage. Lymphedema of the upper extremity seen after breast cancer treatment is the most frequently encountered form, and it causes loss of function, restriction of movement, and deterioration in quality of life. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a component of complex decongestive therapy (CDT), is a method of proven efficacy in reducing skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness. Demonstrated that compression applied at different pressures produced a significant reduction in skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness and accelerated the resolution of edema. High-resolution ultrasound is used as a reliable method for evaluating the skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and fascial structures in lymphedema.Reported that in patients with lymphedema there is thickening of the cutis and subcutaneous tissue, an increase in echogenicity, and structural changes in the fascial structures, and that these changes may show a regional distribution. In another study by the same research group, it was determined that in patients with lymphedema the superficial and deep fasciae are thinner compared with healthy individuals. It was emphasized that this may be an important clue regarding the role of fascial structure in the development of lymphedema. In this thesis study, the effect of MLD treatment on days 1 and 15 in patients with stage 1-2 lymphedema will be evaluated by ultrasound, and the relationship between changes in subcutaneous tissue thickness and deep fascia thickness will be investigated. The aim is thereby to objectively demonstrate the response given to treatment and to make clinical rehabilitation more individualized.

Effect of CKC and WS Exercises on Postural Stability in Unilateral Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

Post-mastectomy lymphedema is one of the most common chronic complications that significantly impacts patients' quality of life following breast cancer surgery. postural stability is maintained through the intricate integration of muscular forces, sensory input from mechanoreceptors, and biomechanical feedback. closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises play a crucial role in enhancing musculoskeletal stability by countering gravitational forces during both rest and movement. weight shifting and balance are fundamental components of functional movement. Proprioceptive training, which focuses on improving body awareness and balance, is essential for developing trunk control

Evaluation of Sympathetic Skin Response and Its Relationship With Clinical Response to Complex Decongestive Therapy in Patients With Postmastectomy Lymphedema

This prospective observational single-center study aimed to evaluate sympathetic skin response (SSR) in patients with postmastectomy upper extremity lymphedema and to investigate the relationship between SSR parameters and clinical response to complex decongestive therapy (CDT). Thirty female patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema and thirty healthy female controls were included in the study. All participants underwent autonomic nervous system assessment using SSR and R-R interval variability measurements and completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire. Patients in the lymphedema group received a standardized 3-week CDT program consisting of 15 treatment sessions. Clinical response to treatment was evaluated by calculating changes in lymphedema volume before and after treatment. Quality of life, upper extremity function, pain severity, and neuropathic pain symptoms were assessed using LYMQOL-Arm, QuickDASH, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS).

Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis as Treatment for Lymphedema

The primary aim of this study is to investigate and test whether the use of combined indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and ultra high frequency ultrasonography can correctly identify lymphatic vessels and venoles in close proximity to each other, for identification prior to lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery.