Objective To compare the treatment effects, satisfaction with the treatment, and performance improvement following bandage treatment using the spiral method and spica method for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods A prospective study with 46 patients with BCRL was conducted. All patients were divided into either the spiral or spica group for non-elastic bandage therapy and received the same treatment for 2 weeks, apart from the group-specific bandaging method used. For both groups, the Quality of Life Instrument score before treatment, changes in the volume of lymphedema limb and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score before and after treatment, and treatment satisfaction after treatment were compared. The Student t-test was used to compare the parameters between the two different bandage methods. Results With respect to the treatment outcomes, total volume reduction and proximal part volume reduction after treatment were 98.0±158.3 mL and 56.0±65.4 mL in the spiral method group and 199.0±125.1 mL and 106.1±82.2 mL in the spica method group, respectively. Therefore, the spica method group showed a significantly better improvement (p<0.05). The DASH score changes after treatment showed that the spiral group score increased by 3.8±5.4 and the spica group score increased by 7.7±6.1; thus, a significantly better improvement was noted in the spica group (p<0.05). Conclusion The spica method indicated better volume reduction and DASH score improvement than the spiral method. Therefore, the spica method may be more effective for treating patients with BCRL.

Purpose of investigation: To identify factors associated with bilateral lymphedema in lower extremities that occur after gynecological cancer surgery. Materials and methods: Retrospective chart review was performed on 110 patients who were hospitalized for lymphedema after gynecological cancer surgery from 2006 to 2018. Statistical significance was verified using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and exact logistic regression analysis. Results: The types of cancer, cancer stage, genital swelling, and extensive lymph node dissection were significantly different between the two groups. Exact logistic regression analysis showed that cancer stage and genital swelling were associated with bilateral lymphedema. Significant differences were observed for radiation therapy and lymphangitis. Exact logistic regression analysis revealed that radiation therapy and lymphangitis were factors associated with unilateral to bilateral progression. Conclusion: Cancer stage, genital swelling, and extensive lymph node dissection were identified as factors related to bilateral lower limb lymphedema. Radiation therapy and infection history were identified as factors related to lymphedema progressing from unilateral to bilateral. Content: The associated factors for bilateral lymphedema in lower extremities after gynecological cancer surgery.