Feasibility of machine-delivered sequential massage for the management of lymphedema in the head and neck cancer survivor

Background Lymphedema after treatment for head and neck cancer negatively impacts the quality of life and can produce neck tissue stiffness, dysphagia, pain, and swelling. One form of treatment for lymphedema is machine-delivered sequential lymphedema massage, which is home based and self administered. This study was undertaken to determine economic and system access to home-based lymphedema therapy and to measure patient-reported outcomes among those able to access therapy. Methods This study is a retrospective cohort study of 84 head and neck cancer patients who met the criteria for referral for home-based lymphedema treatment. Patients who were able to access lymphedema therapy were surveyed prior to initiation of therapy and again after therapy. Results Thirty-five out of 84 patients were approved for home-based therapy and received the equipment. Medicare denial of coverage (21/84) was the most common cause of the inability to access therapy. Of the 35 patients who accessed therapy, presenting complaints included: stiffness (31), pain (29), dysphagia (20), and swelling (19). The average time from completion of cancer treatment to initiation of lymphedema therapy was 9 months. Thirty-four (97%) reported compliance with prescribed therapy, 33 (94%) reported reduced fibrosis, and 30 (89%) reported improvement in activities of daily living. All reported symptoms improved with therapy in 30 (86%) patients. Thirty-two (91%) reported overall satisfaction with home-based lymphedema treatment. Conclusions Stiffness and pain were the most common complaints of our patients with head and neck lymphedema. Forty-two percent of patients who were recommended home lymphedema machine use were able to obtain this with cost coverage by their insurance company or by donation from the company. We found a high compliance rate and a highly reported improvement in symptoms with the machine. The only identifiable factor for the patients with less improvement in symptoms was a greater time gap between treatment and initiation of use of home lymphedema machine. Level of evidence 2 Retrospective cohort analysis.