• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on women with breast cancer and lymph edema. Methods: This study was carried out with a total of 23 women with breast cancer and lymph edema. By drawing lots, women were assigned to either the manual drainage group (MLD, n=12), a control group (n=11). Outcomes such as the arm size, visual analogue scale, shoulder pain and disability index, and functional assessment cancer therapy-breast (FACT-B) were measured to 0 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks intervention for both groups. Results: A significant difference was found in the arm size, pain, functional disability level, and quality of life between the two groups and time(p<.01). Significant difference in functional disability level between 2 and 8 weeks at 4 weeks and 8 weeks for pain(p<.01), and the quality for life was significantly different at all time points (p<.01). Conclusions: Applying MLD treatment to women with breast cancer proved to have a positive effect.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.391-397
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on the activity of sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, pain and pressure pain threshold in subjects with psychological stress. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects with psychological stress were randomly assigned to experimental (MLD) and control (rest) groups. This study was performed as a controlled, randomized study using spectral analysis of electrocardiographic (ECG) activities, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT). Results: Heart rate variability differed significantly between the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). Anxiety and pain showed positive change in both group but it were not showed statically differences. The pressure pain threshold in the upper trapezius muscle was increased in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the application of MLD was effective in reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, pain, and increasing the PPT.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.129-134
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• 2022

It is necessary to produce properly educated Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) specialists conducted by certified instructors. This study was conducted to introduce a comprehensive understanding, application, historical background, and effect of the MLD and to present a basis for using the frequency MLD as a basic resource for training professional. MLD, a field of manual therapy, is used to treat a variety of diseases such as joint disease, circulatory system disease, lymphedema, and pain et al. However, since there is no proper education for MLD in Korea, there is a need to provide education that meets internationally accepted standards. The Physical Therapists Association and related academic societies will need to prepare a system to train specialists on MLD and to recognize medical insurance through it.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.6
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• pp.1403-1407
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• 2023

Lymph node metastasis from bladder cancer mainly involves the external/internal iliac and obturator nodes as the primary lymphatic drainage sites of the bladder, and common iliac sites as the secondary drainage. Lymph node involvement above the diaphragm is rare. Metastasis to the head and neck region is associated with poor prognosis and low survival rate. Herein, we report a case of cervical cutaneous and lymph node metastases in a patient with bladder cancer. This is a rare case of advanced urothelial carcinoma presenting as an aggressive inflammatory process with extensive lymph node involvement, without bony or visceral metastasis.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.89-96
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• 2009

Purpose: This study examined the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on edema and the quality of life (QOL) of lymphedema patients in the maintenance phase. Method: Forty five lymphedema patients, who had completed intensive decongestive therapy, were enrolled in this study. All subjects were assigned randomly to two groups: Experimental (MLD) group (n=23) and control (self-MLD) group (n=22). MLD by a specialist was applied with a comfortable pressure for 40~60 minutes in the experimental group and self-MLD was carried out by the control group 5 times a week for 2 weeks. The % edema and a SF-36 questionnaire were used to measure the decrease in edema and the QOL. A paired t-test was used to compare the period, and an independent T-test was used to compare experiment and control groups. Result: The % edema was significantly lower in the experimental group after MLD (p<0.05). The physical, vitality, and mental health scores of the experimental group was significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: TMLD by a specialist in the maintenance phase is effective in reducing the % edema and enhancing the QOL of lymphedema patients. Further studies will be needed to determine if there are differences in the effects of many types of treatment methods in the lymphedema treatment.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.376-379
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• 2020

Supraclavicular lymph node (SCLN) flap is a common donor site for vascularized lymph node transfer for the treatment of lymphedema. Chyle leakage is a rare but serious complication after harvesting SCLN flap in the neck. We report a case of chyle leakage at the SCLN donor site and its successful management. A 52-year-old woman underwent SCLN transfer for treatment of lower extremity lymphedema. After starting a regular diet and wheelchair ambulation on the 3rd postoperative day, the amount of drainage at the donor site increased (8-62 mL/day) with the color becoming milky, which suggested a chyle leak. Despite starting a low-fat diet on the 4th postoperative day, the chyle leakage persisted (70 mL/day). The patient was started on fat-free diet on the 5th postoperative day. The amount of drainage started to decrease and the drain color became more clear within 24 hours. The drainage amount remained less than 10 mL/day from the 8th postoperative day, and we removed the drain on the 12th postoperative day. There was no seroma or other wound complications at follow-up 4 weeks after the operation. The current case demonstrates that a fat-free diet can be a first-line treatment for low output chyle leakage after a SCLN flap.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.35-39
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• 2016

Background: The superficial lymphatic system is divided into areas called lymphatic territories which are separated by watersheds. When the lymphatic system fails to remove its load either due to surgery, radiotherapy or some congenital malformation of it then the fluid and the proteins and wastes contained within it accumulates in that territory. Anastomotic connections exist across the watersheds and while they can work unaided manual lymph drainage (MLD) can significantly help drainage across them into unaffected lymphatic territories. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of a manual technique in moving fluids and softening hardened tissues using a tape measure and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Methods: We examined the movement of fluids from the affected limbs of lymphedema patients who underwent a standardized 30-min treatment using the Dr. Vodder method of MLD. We chose a typical cross section of patients with secondary leg or secondary arm lymphedema. The lymphedema patient was also measured after the conclusion of treatment and underwent a follow-up control measurement, within 8 weeks. Both evaluation tools indicated a movement of fluid to different and unblocked lymphatic territories as well as a softening of tissues in some of the affected limbs. Results: MLD is an effective means of fluid clearance when it accumulates as a consequence of a failure of the lymphatic system. It seems likely that MLD has a systemic effect on the lymphatic system and that it can improve flow from otherwise normal tissues. Conclusions: It is hypothesized that a series of treatments would result in even more significant improvements.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.6
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• pp.1240-1258
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• 2022

The lymphatic system provides a route for the spread of inflammation and malignancies. The identification of nodal stations and lymphatic pathways of tumor spread is important for tumor staging, choice of therapy, and the prediction of the prognosis of patients with malignant diseases. Because lymph node metastasis is common in primary intra-abdominal malignant tumors, its detection is essential for radiologists to understand the pattern of disease spread. Using schematic pictures and color-coded CT images, this pictorial essay describes the locations and nomenclature of the abdominal lymph nodes. Furthermore, the lymphatic drainage pathways of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreas have been highlighted. In addition, lymph nodes belonging to the regional lymph nodes in malignant tumors arising from each organ are described, and certain cases are presented with images from patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.103-109
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• 2009

Purpose: Cases of male external genitalia lymphedema are relatively uncommon in the clinical physical therapy field. Of more than two thousand clinical cases treated by the author in the lymphedema treatment center, only 4~5 cases of male external genitalia lymphedema were encountered. The present case report presents the experience and treatment results of male external genitalia lymphedema from urological cancer. Method: This case was a 47-year-old man, who was treated with complex decongestive physical therapy consisting of manual lymph drainage, compression bandage (including the external genitalia), remedial exercise, skin care. Result: The results were relatively good. The clinical experience would suggest that early treatment and education can reduce the external genitalia lymphedema. However, the treatment efficacy remains limited. Therefore, early treatment is vital for more successful outcomes. Conclusion: The relief of symptoms and a decrease in male external genitalia lymphedema may be the best result from long-term conservative management.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.263-268
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• 2020

This study is to investigate the effects of manual lymphatic drainage of stressed hospital office employees on the autonomic nervous. A total of 30 stressed hospital office women voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were randomized to the manual lymphatic drainage groups and rest groups. The intervention was conducted for 20 minutes in each group. There were significant differences in sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve, and pain within manual lymphatic drainage groups(p<.05). There were significant differences between groups for the sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve, and pain(p<.05). Therefore, manual lymphatic drainage is an effective intervention for reducing the stress and pain of stressed hospital office employees.