lucas.conrado – Page 15 – Wounds International

Retrospective audit of a prevention clinic for BCRL

Historically within the Wrexham and Flintshire area, patients with arm swelling as a result of breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy (RT) were treated reactively and referred to the lymphoedema service when they the lymphoedema service when they swelling. Following surgery, all patients were given written information on prevention of lymphoedema, including advice on cellulitis, skin care and exercises and were seen postoperatively by the […]

Clinicians’ training and interests in LE research

Lymphoedema is a chronic and debilitating condition that has been largely neglected by the healthcare community, resulting in limited clinical and basic science research in the field (Pyszel et al, 2006; McLaughlin et al, 2008; Cormier et al, 2009; Fu and Rosedale, 2009).

Incidence of LE due to treating cutaneous melanoma

The rates of morbidity associated with lymphadenectomy as a treatment for cutaneous melanoma, as reported in the literature, vary due to the different methods used in the studies. As a result, it is difficult to compare data from different research (Kretschemer et al, 2008). Assessing the incidence of lymphoedema and other morbidities in patients with melanoma is important, as over time the […]

Diet and BCRL: facts and fallacies on the web

Lymphoedema is a common sequela to breast cancer treatment. Until recently, patients were limited in how they obtained information, but now a range of medical-related websites provide numerous alternatives for managing the condition. With many patients consulting grey and popular literature, healthcare professionals need to be better aware of inaccurate or potentially dangerous information in the media and […]

Medical education: a deficiency or a disgrace

Students and clinicians should be able to establish a diagnosis of lymphoedema along with differential diagnoses, and be aware of effective therapeutic interventions. However, it is commonly misdiagnosed. This paper summarises published knowledge on lymphoedema and lymphatic system teaching in medical courses. The lack of results suggests that despite an exponential increase in understanding and research in lymphatics, […]

Lymphoedema in patients treated for head and neck cancer

Following surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemo-radiation for cancers affecting the larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, thyroid and salivary glands (collectively referred to as ‘head and neck cancer’ in this paper), patients are often left with persistent side-effects, one of which is the onset of lymphoedema which can increase their psychological distress and reduce functional ability. This paper explores the multi-dimensional, […]

Development of the Sigvaris Advance armsleeve by patients and clinicians

Compression armsleeves are widely used for the prophylaxis, treatment and management of upper limb lymphoedema. However, the difficulties experienced with such garments, in terms of comfort and appearance, can greatly inffuence patient compliance. The exploration of these issues with patients and clinicians when developing compression garments is therefore important since they can enhance concordance. This article describes how manufacturer, […]

Late-effect laryngeal oedema/lymphoedema

The use of aggressive treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), particularly combined modality treatment regimens, has resulted in an increase in patient survival (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2010). Unfortunately, this improvement has come with a marked increase in acute and late-effects.

A survey of lymphoedema practitioners across the US

An online survey was developed by the American Lymphedema Framework Project (ALFP) executive and research committees to assess the current scope of practice in lymphoedema treatment in the US. The analysis included responses from 415 therapists from 46 states. Respondents typically had a background in physical or occupational therapy. Nearly all reported having completed a 135-hour training course […]

Celebrating 25 years of the British Lymphology Society

The British Lymphology Society (BLS) came into being 25 years ago as the British Lymphology Interest Group and has now grown into a dynamic and growing organisation with a clear strategic focus, excellent governance processes and an increasing number of active and enthusiastic members. Along the way, the BLS has had to deal with a changing NHS and […]

Improving wound and LE outcomes in low-resource settings

Lymphoedema crosses physiologic, geographic, clinical and professional borders. It spans recorded history, spares no social or economic level and takes a team and an affected individual’s lifetime to manage. The World Health Organization (WHO) is waging its global battle against lymphoedema and related wounds on a new level,encouraging those affected, their families, healthcare professionals, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and government agencies to integrate their energies, knowledge […]

Outcome measures for lymphoedema

There are a range of significant issues that affect a person with lymphoedema which concern not only the patient, but also the clinician, healthcare professional, medical funds and the government. I acknowledge we must maintain a holistic view with these issues, such as the impact on quality of life (QOL), activities of daily living (ADL), time off work, productivity and social […]

Teaching the world about wound and lymphoedema care

One of the most famous TV commercials of all time was released in 1971 and featured a cosmopolitan group of young people singing about how they would ‘like to teach the world to sing’. The Coca-Cola® advert was so popular that the song was re-recorded by The New Seekers and reached the top of the charts.

Lymph taping and seroma formation post breast cancer

Background: The most common complication of breast cancer treatment is seroma formation. Lymph taping has the potential to prevent or reduce seroma formation, but currently its potential beneἀts have not been fully investigated. Aims: To investigate the potential of lymph taping to combat seroma formation. Methods: Nine women treated for breast cancer were recruited to this randomised […]

Impact of distance on BCRL outcomes in rural areas

Background: Access to health services and health outcomes are generally poorer in rural and remote areas. Aims: To review clients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) attending a rural lymphoedema service (RLS) to ascertain any associations between treatment, service utilisation, diagnosis, arm volume (AV) and distance. Methods: A retrospective medical record audit of participants with BCRL attending a RLS […]

Arm morbidity and disability: current status in Canada

Background: Breast cancer-related arm morbidity affects the lives of many women across Canada. Lymphoedema therapists need to be aware of concurrent arm morbidity. Aims: To research the relationship between arm morbidity and disability in order to design adequate post-surgery care.

Cancer survivors’ views of lymphoedema management

Background: Many clinicians recognise the importance of the patient’s role in treating and managing lymphoedema and that optimal outcomes depend on patients’ compliance to treatment, or a prescribed daily lymphoedema care regimen. Such a widespread belief can be called a ‘compliance paradigm’.

Cancer-related lymphoedema in males: a literature review

Secondary lymphoedema (SL) is an under-recognised sequelae to cancer treatment and surgery. The current evidence for SL is based on females. Despite this, cancer risks in males and current projections of male-related cancers are increasing. A literature review was undertaken on males with SL which identified a paucity of research, large variations in prevalence, incidence and diagnostic criteria, […]

Clinimetrics of volume measurement in upper limb LE

Upper limb lymphoedema is a devastating sequel of breast cancer treatment. Upper limb volumes need to be measured in order to gauge the efficacy of the treatment of upper limb lymphoedema. If upper limb volume discrepancies are detected in early lymphoedema, treatment may be instituted quickly, perhaps leading to a lesser impact on patient quality of life and […]

Lymphoedema services for children and young people

Lymphoedema can have a profound effect on children’s development during their formative years. The implications of having a young child or teenager with lymphoedema can also have a major impact on family life. This paper examines the requirements that have been set out in national guidance for the treatment of childhood lymphoedema and how they can be integrated […]

Mapping an integrated lymphoedema patient pathway

For many specialist practitioners who work alone with lymphoedema patients, engaging generalist healthcare professionals to help provide care remains a daunting task. This article presents an algorithm to be used when integrating services across multiple care sectors that can establish a pathway for patients with lymphoedema. It focuses on the types of symptoms the patient may experience and […]

The long road to diagnosis

Dylan first developed minor genital swelling during his first month of life, which was dismissed as being part of the healing process of circumcision. However after two months, the paediatricians had noticeable concerns and he was referred to hospital for testing.

Innovations in pressure ulcer prevention and management

This short report describes the development process and key recommendations of the new international pressure ulcer guidelines for prevention and treatment developed by the EPUAP and NPUAP.

The paper that changed my lfe

Mike Clarke chooses a paper by Reswick and Rogers (1976) that attempted to determine how long patients could withstand a static posture without developing pressure ulcers. This is reviewed by Amit Gefen.

Innovations in pressure ulcer prevention and management: key initiatives introduced in Japan

Thiss paper is one of a series of threee examiningg innovatioons in presssure ulcer prevvention andd managemment. Among a numberr of fascinaating innovaations, the probblem of howw to prevennt pressuree damage inn patients wwith an extreme bony prominence is discussed.

Innovations in pressure ulcer prevention and management

This short report presents recent initiatives in the US and Canada and around the world for targeted pressure ulcer prevention and management. Prevention is key and the focus needs to be early recognition of patients at risk and the implementation of targeted interventions, with an emphasis on the effective management of chronic illness.

Wound digest: Leg ulcers

This digest aims to summarise the most important papers published recently on leg ulcers.

Pressure ulcer prevention and management Quick Guide

A guide covering: Steps to pressure ulcer prevention

MMPs Made Easy

This article describes what MMPs are and the importance of their role in normal and disrupted wound healing. In particular, it discusses the relevance of MMPs to clinical practice, including current and potential interventions aimed at modulating their activity. Supported by KCI – An Acelity Company

Exudate Management Made Easy Update

Exudate production by open wounds is essential for moist wound healing. However, when wounds produce insufficient or too much exudate, and/or the composition of the exudate is harmful, a wide range of problems can occur that ultimately delay healing, distress patients and consume considerable healthcare resources. This document builds on the principles presented in the […]

Is the problem lymphoedema and its treatment or is it our knowledge?

Why do we struggle gaining recognition from patients and healthcare systems about the importance of the early detection of signs of lymphatic system failure, when we have tools available to do this? Why do we struggle getting funds for lymphoedema screening programmes, when we have strong indications they work? Why do we struggle with a […]

Abstracts from the 10th Australasian Lymphology Association Conference

In April, the Australasian Lymphology Association welcomed 263 delegates to their 10th annual professional conference in Auckland, New Zealand. Platinum sponsors were Haddenham Health, gold sponsors Smith & Nephew, and bronze sponsors Toomac Solutions. Here, the Journal of Lymphoedema, in conjunction with the Australasian Lymphology Association and the International Lymphoedema Framework, publishes 11 abstracts presented […]

Secondary lymphoedema trajectories among breast cancer survivors

Background: Breast cancer surgery is the most common cause of secondary lymphoedema, yet there is little understanding about the changes in lymphoedema over time in breast cancer survivors. Further, the role of arm dominance in the development and persistence of lymphoedema has not been adequately explored.nAim: This study aimed to determine the rate of change […]

The role of skin therapists in the Netherlands — maintaining skin health in lymphoedema

Background: Skin therapy is an allied health profession in the Netherlands and is involvedin the diagnostics, treatment and management of lymphoedema. A systematic review of fiveof the skin therapeutic interventions for arm lymphoedema was conducted and these findings were included in a statement document completed in 2011.nMethods: A systematic literature search was completed examining the […]

Factors related to lymphoedema coded with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Background: This article is the second arising from a literature review conducted as part of the development process for International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for lymphoedema. In the first article, meaningful concepts in lymphoedema-specific questionnaires were explored.nAim: To compare and analyse categories of the World Health Organization’s ICF linked to […]

International Lymphoedema Framework Australia — emerging issues and the way forward

Lymphoedema affects many Australians and considerably reduces quality of life for those who donot receive adequate treatment. It is a chronic condition that requires timely diagnosis and ongoing management. However, individuals working with lymphoedema continue to voice concerns about the imbalance between patient needs and available resources, as well as access inequity and a general […]

Compression therapy for paediatric lymphangiohemangioma: A case report

Background: In this case report, the author examines inelastic compression bandage treatment for unilateral lower-limb lymphoedema, secondary to a congenital lymphangiohemangioma in a 11-month-old child. Compression therapy for adults is a well recognised treatment for unilateral lymphoedema but remains less well defined for children.nAim: To determine the effects of inelastic compression bandaging on lymphoedema in […]

My patient journey with lymphoedema

It is July 2013. I’m walking towards the centre of a town I do not yet know. It is my first visit. From the train, a few days ago, I caught a glimpse of quaint little boutiques, pretty clothes, colourful flowers and dainty things in general. But I’m not going shopping for any of that. […]

Evaluation of low-adherent antimicrobial dressings

Through careful design of their physical characteristics, many modern wound dressings aim to provide a moist environment that is conducive to healing. Also, and perhaps equally as important, is the aim to ensure that there is minimal tissue trauma upon their removal. Several different approaches have been used to meet these design challenges, most […]

Pressure ulcer update

Wounds International clinical updates present recent developments in the field of leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, skin integrity and diabetic foot, including the latest from associations, clinicians and industry. If you use an innovative technique in your practice that you would like us to feature in future issues, please email the editor at: [email protected]

Diary Dates 3(1)

Wound digest Issue 3(1)

This digest summarises recent key papers published in the areas of pressure ulcers, skin integrity, venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers.

Wound digest 2(5)

This digest summarises some of the key papers published on issues related to wound management

KTwo® Compression Bandage System Made Easy

Compression therapy has been considered the gold standard of care for venous hypertension and leg ulcers since the late 1980s. As research has translated into clinical practice, bandage application practices have changed and improved, reducing healing times and increasing patient comfort and wellbeing. The KTwo® Compression bandage system (Urgo Medical) has been designed to make […]

Wound digest 4(1)

This digest summarises recent key papers published in the areas of pressure ulcers, skin integrity, venous leg ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers.

Wound digest 5(1)

This digest summarises some of the key papers published on issues related to wound management.

Wound digest: This digest summarises some of the key papers published on wellbeing in patients with wounds.

Wound Healing and Skin Integrity: Principles and Practice

n<div>This comprehensive wound care book offers a valuable resource to anyone involved in the prevention and management of wounds and skin integrity. It is a practical, well-researched text covering a wide range of issues within the speciality by leading international experts in the field.</div>n

Wound digest – DFUs

Wound digest: This digest summarises some important papers published on wound care.

SELECTED PAPERS OF INTERESTn<div><ol>n<li>An exploration of fourth-year undergraduate nurses’ knowledge of and attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention.</li>n<li>Avoidable antibiotic exposure for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections in the ambulatory care setting.</li>n<li>Negative pressure wound therapy for treating foot wounds in people with diabetes mellitus(Review)</li>n<li>Feelings of powerlessness in patients with venous leg ulcers.</li>n<li>Current practice in the management […]

Author: lucas.conrado

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