Patients with BCRL received additional benefits from LLLT when used in conjunction with standard lymphedema treatment. These benefits include reduction in limb circumference, pain, increase in range of motion and scar mobility. Additionally, two cycles of LLLT were found to be superior to one in this study.
BACKGROUND
Artificial skin substitute templates have been shown to be a reliable solution for the reconstruction of large scalp defects with exposed skull bone, but there is a lack of long-term data.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term outcome of the procedure in a large cohort of 68 cases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In total, 58 patients with 68 full thickness scalp defects with exposed skull bone, were included. Mean follow-up time was 24 (±19) months.
RESULTS
The mean size of the defects was 63 (±54) cm2. During the follow-up period, no local recurrences occurred. Complications were observed in 13% of the cases including template necrosis (4%), infections (4%), ulcerations (3%), and autograft necrosis (2%). During the final follow-up, 26 patients had died due to internal diseases not associated with the surgery. Cosmetic results were rated good by the patients and an independent observer.
CONCLUSION
The use of a dermal regeneration template for the reconstruction of large, full thickness defects of the scalp with exposed skull bone is a reliable method regarding the complication rate, safety of the procedure, and cosmetic outcome. Limitations of this study are the retrospective and single center design.
Group-3 had the worst BCRL clinical stage and grade status and other breast cancer treatment related morbities. Occupations that require greater use of the upper extremities. At present there is a need for closer monitoring of patients with more severe BCRL. Potential exacerbating and maintaining factors of functional limitations and pain need to considered so that clinical management addresses these in relation to daily use of the affected UE.
After undergoing treatment for breast cancer, many patients endure lifelong problems, such as lymphedema (LE), musculoskeletal problems, and psychosocial problems. Every patient with breast cancer-related LE (BCRL) should be assessed thoroughly for physical and psychological needs by a multidisciplinary team. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the diagnosis and treatment of BCRL. BCRL will be discussed in detail in this chapter.
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