Analysis of the Risk Factors of Upper Limb Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Surgery and Nursing Care

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and analyze the influencing factors of upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, and to study effective nursing intervention measures. Methods: 500 cases of early breast cancer patients from October 2017 to December 2020 were selected, all patients underwent surgical intervention, retrospectively analyzed the basic clinical data of patients, and statistically analyzed the influencing factors of upper limb lymphedema. All patients with upper extremity lymphedema received high-quality nursing intervention, and the specific nursing effect was analyzed. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery included hypertension, postoperative upper limb functional exercise, delayed healing of incision, radiotherapy and so on. After nursing intervention, the patients’ elbow 10cm, elbow 10cm, wrist size value and VAS score were better than those before nursing (P < 0.05). The quality of life score of patients after nursing intervention was significantly better than that before nursing (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hypertension, postoperative upper limb functional exercise, delayed healing of incision, radiotherapy and other factors can induce upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Effective nursing intervention can alleviate the condition of patients with upper limb lymphedema and improve their quality of life, which is worthy of comprehensive promotion.