Effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for lymphedema following intrapelvic lymph node dissection: a preliminary report

Am J Chin Med. 2002;30(1):37-43. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X02000041.

Abstract

Although it is difficult in Western medicine to eliminate edema occurring in the lower extremities after intrapelvic lymph node dissection for malignant gynecologic tumors, we successfully treated or prevented this postoperative complication with moxibustion and acupuncture, initiated after the occurrence of lymphedema in 12 patients and as soon as possible after surgery in 12 others. An increase in deep body temperature with acupuncture or moxibustion was found to be essential for successful treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Temperature / physiology
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision / adverse effects*
  • Lymphedema / etiology*
  • Lymphedema / pathology
  • Lymphedema / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Moxibustion*
  • Pelvis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Skin Temperature / physiology