Perioperative nursing care in patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery with super micro venous lymphatic anastomosis: 8 cases study

Objective To investigate the perioperative nursing in patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery treated with super micro venous lymphatic anastomosis. Methods Eight cases who were treated with super micro venous lymphatic anastomosis in Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province from May 2015 to May 2016 were recruited in this study. The mental nursing and sufficient preoperative evaluation were required before the operation. After the operation, the affected limb should be raised above the heart. Furthermore, the manual lymphatic drainage, acupoint massage, low elastic bandage treatment and functional exercise should be implemented after the operation. Results All cases successfully completed the operation, five cases recovered very well after the operation, two cases recovered well, and one case was effectively recovered. Conclusions Super micro venous lymphatic anastomosis is effective against upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. The reinforced perioperative nursing care can promote the absorption of lymphedema. Key words: Breast neoplasms; Super micro surgical venous lymphatic anastomosis; Lymphedema