Postoperative arm massage: a support for women with lymph node dissection.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the usefulness of arm massage from a significant other following lymph node dissection surgery.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial with a pretest-posttest design. Data were collected prior to surgery, within 24 hours post surgery, within 10 to 14 days post surgery, and 4 months post surgery.


METHODS
59 women, aged 21 to 78 undergoing lymph node dissection surgery and who had a significant other with them during the postoperative period.


METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Subjects' significant others in the intervention group were first taught, then performed arm massage as a postoperative support measure. RESEARCH MAIN VARIABLES: Variables included postoperative pain, family strengths and stressors, range of motion, and health related costs.


RESULTS
Participants reported a reduction in pain in the immediate postoperative period and better shoulder function.


CONCLUSIONS
Arm massage decreased pain and discomfort related to surgery, and promoted a sense of closeness and support amongst subjects and their significant other.


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative massage therapy for women with lymph node dissection provided therapeutic benefits for patients and their significant other. Nurses can offer effective alternative interventions along with standard procedures in promoting optimal health.
Forchuk
Cheryl
C
University of Western Ontario, Lawson Health Research Institute (London Health Sciences Centre), London, Ontario, Canada. cforchuk@uwo.ca
Baruth
Pat
P
Prendergast
Monique
M
Holliday
Ronald
R
Bareham
Ruth
R
Brimner
Susan
S
Schulz
Valerie
V
Chan
Yee Ching Lilian
YC
Yammine
Nadine
N
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000517:prevention & control; D008405:Massage / Q000191:economics; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*