ABSTRACT

The study was carried out as a descriptive- comparative research to determine the eff ect of simple lymph drainage massage and simple lymph drainage massage with aromatic oils for the prevention of lymphedema after breast cancer operations.

The universe of the study was formed of patients who had breast conserving surgery or modifi ed radical mastectomy together with axillary dissection because of breast cancer. A total of 64 patients, which consisted of 23 in control group (Group 1), 21 in the group (Group 2) who had simple lymph drainage massage and 20 in the group (Group 3) who had simple lymph drainage massage with aromatic oils, were taken in the sample group.

The arm circumferences of all the patients were measured before the operation, discharging from hospital, at the 2nd, 4th. and 6th. months after operations and the complaints of lymphedema were evaluated. In the analysis of data were used mean, percentages, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test.

According to the results of the study; the diff erence between in Group 1 with Group 2 and Group 3 was statistically signifi cant in terms of pain and limited motion complaints on the arm at the 2nd. and 4th. months after the operation. It was found that lymphedema occured in 30.4% of patients in Group 1 at the 2nd. month, in 17.4% at the 4th. month, in 21.7% at the 6th. month.

As a result it is thought that simple lymph massage and simple lymph massage with aromatic oil were eff ective to decrease the complaints and lymphedema.