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The Effects of Clinical and Home‐based Physiotherapy Programs in Secondary Head and Neck Lymphedema
Author(s) -
Ozdemir Kadirhan,
Keser Ilke,
Duzlu Mehmet,
Erpolat Ozge P.,
Saranli Uluc,
Tutar Hakan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.29205
Subject(s) - lymphedema , medicine , head and neck cancer , physical therapy , head and neck , secondary lymphedema , surgery , radiation therapy , cancer , breast cancer
Objectives/Hypothesis To determine the effects of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) and home programs on external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, fibrosis, and three‐dimensional (3D) surface scanning and volume evaluation in head and neck lymphedema. Study Design A prospective randomized controlled study. Methods Twenty‐one patients were randomly divided into three groups: CDP (n:7), home program (n:7), and control (n:7). Assessment methods were applied at baseline and 4 weeks later for all groups. MD. Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema Protocol was implemented to evaluate head and neck external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, and fibrosis. A 3D scanner and a software were used to determine and calculate the volume of the head and neck region via 3D surface scanning. Head and neck external lymphedema and fibrosis assessment criteria were performed to evaluate visible soft tissue edema and the degree of stiffness. Results The severity and volume of lymphedema decreased in the CDP program group ( P < .05). Besides, external lymphedema and fibrosis at submental region were decreased in both CDP program and home program groups ( P < .05). Conclusions While the benefits of home program are limited, a CDP program may be more effective in the management of lymphedema and fibrosis in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The clinical trial registration number: NCT04286698, date: 02/25/2020, retrospectively registered. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope , 131:E1550–E1557, 2021