Board Jane, Harlow Wendy
The South Bucks Day Hospice, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK.
Br J Nurs. 2002;11(7):438-50. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2002.11.7.10143.
The third article in this series describes the treatment available to sufferers of lymphoedema in the UK. Lymphoedema is a condition that cannot be cured and requires lifelong treatment to control symptoms that, if left untreated, would progressively worsen. The aim of treatment is to stabilize the oedema and empower the patient with the necessary skills to undertake self-care. Four components of treatment are used to achieve this goal: care of the skin, compression and support, lymphatic massage and exercise. The purpose of each treatment will be explained and supported with research findings. Examination of the literature reveals a weak evidence base supporting treatment practice in this country. The majority of evidence relates to vascular insufficiency and findings from abroad. A brief account will be made of the reasons for this and how the trend is changing.
本系列的第三篇文章介绍了英国淋巴水肿患者可获得的治疗方法。淋巴水肿是一种无法治愈的疾病，需要终身治疗以控制症状，若不治疗，症状会逐渐恶化。治疗的目的是稳定水肿，并使患者具备进行自我护理的必要技能。治疗采用四个组成部分来实现这一目标：皮肤护理、加压与支撑、淋巴按摩和运动。每种治疗方法的目的将结合研究结果进行解释和说明。对文献的研究表明，支持该国治疗实践的证据基础薄弱。大多数证据与血管功能不全以及国外的研究结果有关。将简要说明造成这种情况的原因以及这种趋势是如何变化的。
