Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the effects of seven-step complex decongestion therapy (CDT) on post-operative upper limb lymphedema of breast cancer. MethodsFrom August, 2015 to September, 2016, 71 patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery accepted CDT for 20 days, including skin care, opening of lymphatic pathway, relief of scar tissue, manual lymphatic drainage, bandage compression, air pressure wave therapy and functional exercise. The circumference of eight sites of both limbs was measured and the differences were calculated before treatment, and one, five, ten, fifteen and twenty days of the treatment. ResultsThe differences of circumference increased one to 15 days of the treatment (Z>2.03, P<0.05), and decreased 20 days of the treatment (Z=3.01, P<0.01). ConclusionCDT is effective on lymphedema after breast cancer surgery for 20 days of a course, but may worsen in the first 15 days, which may be related to acute stress response or redistribution of lymph.

Key words: breast cancer, upper limb lymphedema, seven-step complex decongestion therapy, manual lymph drainage