Effectiveness of lymphatic massage on pain and functional ability among patients with breast cancer undergone mastectomy

Mrs.Jiji P S; Mrs. Smitha P V; Mrs.Jayarani R S

Volume : VII, Issue : XI, November - 2018

Effectiveness of lymphatic massage on pain and functional ability among patients with breast cancer undergone mastectomy

Mrs. Jiji P S, Mrs. Smitha P V, Mrs. Jayarani R S

Abstract :

Background: Changes in arm morbidities, physical activity level and health related quality of life after east cancer surgery vary among patients. The development of lymph oedema, pain, and sensation of heaviness in the upper limbs significantly affect the functional ability of these patients even years after surgery. [1] Objectives: The study focused on assessment of pain and functional ability among patients with east cancer undergone mastectomy, evaluation of the effectiveness of lymphatic massage on pain and functional ability among patients with east cancer undergone mastectomy and correlation between pain and functional ability. Materials and methods: Quantitative approach was used for the study. Study design selected was pre experimental design. Non probability purposive sampling technique was employed to select 35 women with east cancer undergone mastectomy attending Govt. Medical College Hospital, Kottayam. The technique of data collection used was self reporting . During the data collection period Lymphatic massage was given to the patient ten times, for 5- 7 minutes, once a day, for the first five consecutive days by the researcher. The massage technique was reinforced with the help of patient information booklet on lymphatic massage. Then an able patient or a care giver was asked to continue the lymphatic massage from day 6 to day 15. Post test evaluation were done on day 5, 10 and 15. Results: The study proved that lymphatic massage was effective in reducing pain and improving functional ability of affected arm among patients with east cancer undergone mastectomy. Also it showed a strong positive correlation between pain and functional ability. The study found a significant association between pain and duration after surgery, and between functional ability and family type, level of axillary clearance, number of lymph nodes removed, duration after surgery and comorbidities among patients with east cancer undergone mastectomy. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study it can be concluded that there is evident reduction in pain and improvement in functional ability of affected arm among patients with east cancer undergone mastectomy after lymphatic massage