Systemic Enzyme Therapy in the Treatment of Secondary Lymphoedema of theUpper Extremity after Mastectomy

Overview

In 10 female patients with the diagnosis of secondary lymphoedema of the upper extremity afterradical mastectomy with exenteration of the axilla, actinotherapy and chemotherapy theauthors followed up for nine months the effect of systemic enzyme therapy on the state oflymphoedema and subjective sensations of the patients. The total period of treatment withWobenzyme tablets was 12 weeks. During check-up examinations after 4-week intervals theauthors assessed the volume of both upper extremities and from the values they calculated therelative volume of oedema. The investigation provided evidence of a favourable effect of systemicenzyme therapy on the state of lymphoedema of the upper extremity. During evaluation ofsubjective feelings the authors noted a decline of the functional dyscomfort and the feeling ofheaviness in the oedematous extremity diminished. These changes were statistically signifi-cant. Systemic enzyme therapy with Wobenzyme in secondary lymphoedema of the upperextremity after mastectomy can be evaluated as favourable and effective.

Key words:
systemic enzyme therapy - lymphoedema after mastectomy - therapeutic effect.