Self-Care Practices Related to Lymphedema Post Radical Mastectomy

Lymphedema is a life-long condition, so patient education in self-management is very
important ,moreover to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema or having lymphedema
worsen, all patients with lymphedema or at‐risk for lymphedema should be instructed in
essential self-care. Importantly, with the early identification and management of lymphedema,
we can help many of our patients maintain their quality of life by minimizing cosmetic,
functional, psychoemotional, and potentially life-threatening complications. Objective: Assess
self-care practices regarding lymphedema after radical mastectomy. Settings: The study was
conducted at the Main University Hospital and Gamal Abd-Elnaser Hospital in Alexandria.
Subjects: The study was conducted on 50 adult female patients who had unilateral
mastectomy with Axillary's Lymph Node Dissection. Tools: Two tools were used to collect
data; Patient's Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Tool and Lymphedema's Knowledge and
Self-care Structured Interview Schedule. Results: Concerning type of surgery, 40% and 44%
were treated by Modified radical mastectomy and Radical mastectomy respectively. In
relation to post operative period; it is noticed that 80% of the studied patient were post
operative <15 weeks. 82% of the studied patients showed unsatisfactory self-care practices
regarding following principles and practicing self-care of affected limb after radical
mastectomy such as skin care, exercises, using garment and close observation of the limb as
compared with 18% who had satisfactory scores. Conclusion: It is apparent from the present
study that the majority of women who are developing post-radical mastectomy lymphedema
did not practice self-care at the time of surgery and it is related to a lack of knowledge on
lymphedema care amongst breast cancer patients. Recommendations: In order to improve
patients’ level awareness of lymphedema self- care, the provision for systematic and
comprehensive patient education, including management protocols for lymphedema, need to
be addressed. Education and training will be essential components of efforts to ensure
appropriate care for lymphedema patients in all community health resources and hospitals.