Lower extremity lymphedema prevention program for women undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery: a pilot randomized controlled study

Abstract

To develop and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a symptom management theory-based lower extremity lymphedema prevention program (LEL-PP) for women undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery. SAMPLE AND SETTING: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 27 women undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery involving lymph node dissection in the gynecologic oncology unit of a hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. METHODS AND VARIABLES: Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 14) that received structured nurse-led education and follow-up support (LEL-PP), or a control group (n = 13) that received standard care. Quality of life, self-efficacy, lymphedema symptoms, and leg circumferences were assessed at baseline, postoperative day 3, and three-month follow-up using validated instruments. RESULTS: The LEL-PP was feasible, with 93.3% participation and 96.4% completion, and highly acceptable, with a mean satisfaction score of 4.54 of 5. The intervention group reported significantly greater improvements in quality of life, general health, and self-efficacy, and reduced lymphedema symptoms. No significant short-term changes in leg circumference measurements were observed, except for point left 6 in the control group. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The symptom management theory-based LEL-PP is feasible and well accepted, and it may be beneficial for the prevention and early detection of LEL.