Arm reduction for lymphedema patient, doctor points out easily recognizable signs of the disease

GĐXH - A 67-year-old female patient in Hanoi was treated for inflammation, lymphedema, and had her arm reduced to help with movement.

Arm reduction for lymphedema patients

On December 11, according to information from Bach Mai Hospital, doctors of the hospital's Plastic Surgery Department successfully performed arm reduction for a patient with lymphedema (lymphatics are also called lymphatic vessels). Bringing satisfaction and confidence to the patient, helping him escape the pain and difficulty walking due to lymphedema.

This is the case of a 67-year-old female patient residing in Hanoi. The patient has overcome many years of heaviness, pain, and inconvenience in daily activities due to swollen arms, contracted scars, and sequelae after breast cancer treatment. After more than 20 years of breast cancer treatment, in the past 5 years, the patient's right arm has been swollen and edematous, 3-4cm larger in diameter than the left arm, contracted scars in the armpit area, and even pus leakage and sepsis have appeared, causing her pain, difficulty, and inconvenience in movement and movement.

After learning and being advised by friends and acquaintances, she went to the Department of Plastic Surgery, Bach Mai Hospital for intervention and treatment. Here, not only was she examined and given a thorough treatment plan, she was also very satisfied with the quality, dedication and devotion of the team of doctors and nurses of the Department.

The patient shared: " Not only was the swelling and lymphedema problems relieved, but the doctors also created a slimmer arm. Moreover, the treatment of the contracted scar in the armpit area helped the right arm to be able to stretch and lift up normally ."

Care and dressing changes for patients after lymphedema surgery. Photo: BVCC

Is lymphedema dangerous?

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thi Viet Dung, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery (Bach Mai Hospital), right arm lymphedema is a sequela of breast cancer treatment (accounting for about 10 - 15%). In particular, this condition can appear in patients with axillary lymph node dissection and the risk increases when there is additional radiotherapy treatment. Arm lymphedema is not completely cured, but early treatment can help reduce symptoms and prevent other symptoms, preventing secondary damage to the forearm.

Arm lymphedema is a phenomenon of accumulation and stagnation of fluid in the lymphatic system, leading to swelling of the arm. The patient feels pain, limbs are difficult to move and move, causing difficulties in daily activities. It is important to prevent injuries on the hand. The disease can appear a few days, weeks, months or even years after cancer treatment and become permanent sequelae later if not prevented, detected promptly and treated early.

Subjects who have had any procedure that damages the lymphatic vessels may experience edema. Depending on the severity, there are different symptoms and manifestations: Swelling of the entire or part of the arm; Severe pain; Recurrent infections; Hard and thickened swollen skin. In many cases, the size of the forearm changes, affecting the patient's mobility and daily activities.

Lymphedema treatment focuses on reducing swelling and controlling symptoms to improve the patient's quality of life. Therapies include: Gentle exercise to stimulate lymph flow to improve circulation. Lymphatic massage, compression bandages, skin care, surgery, liposuction, lymph node transplantation, medication, etc.

How to prevent lymphedema?

Lymphedema can be completely prevented and its symptoms can be controlled to lead a normal life. Associate Professor, Dr. Viet Dung advises patients to see a doctor immediately when they notice signs of swelling in the arms, legs, hands, fingers, neck or chest... These are signs to recognize lymphedema.

In life, activities should avoid the following issues: Avoid taking blood, injections, intravenous infusions from the arm at risk of lymphedema. Do not take hot baths for too long, use hot packs or heat treatments. Do not massage too hard the area at risk of lymphedema and limit arm exposure to sunlight. Do not carry heavy objects or wear bags on your shoulder.

Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry. Keep your arms elevated when sleeping and change positions frequently. Avoid lying on your side or leaning on your arms for long periods of time. Wear protective gear to protect your arms from injury. Eat a balanced, low-salt diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When there are signs of suspected risk of lymphedema as mentioned above, patients should go to reputable medical facilities for examination, diagnosis and advice on appropriate treatment regimen.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/thu-nho-canh-tay-cho-benh-nhan-phu-bach-mach-bac-si-chi-ra-cac-dau-hieu-de-nhan-biet-benh-172241211160332617.htm