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Assessment of Knowledge of Lymphedema Surgery Among Lymphedema Patients
Annet Kuruvilla BS, Sagar Mulay MD, Sourish Ratha BE, Lauren Kneessy BM, Aleksandra Krajewski MD
Stony Brook University School of Medicine
2021-02-15
Presenter: Annet Susan Kuruvilla
Affidavit:
The abstract was written by Annet (medical student).
Annet contributed 25% for conception and design and 50% for acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data, and drafting of abstract.
Director Name: Dr. Alexander Dagum
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background/Purpose
The main objective of this study is to identify patient demographics in relation to awareness and interest in surgery. Surgery for lymphedema is improving with innovations in super-microsurgery. It has become evident that patient selection and early evaluation is critical for optimum outcomes.
Methods
Patients at a suburban lymphedema physical therapy clinic answered a questionnaire to gain demographic data including educational level, lymphedema status and etiology, surgery knowledge and general interest in pursuing surgery. Inclusion criteria were secondary lymphedema patients, and excluded were primary lymphedema, minors, and pregnant patients.
Results
There were 45 patients enrolled in the study with 39 (91%) females and 6 (9%) males. Education is a factor, with advanced degrees showing significantly more interest in obtaining lymphedema surgery (p=0.048). There was a direct relationship between higher lymphedema stage and surgery interest (p=0.101). Knowledge of lymphedema surgery and surgery interest were not significant; however, patients who had been previously educated by a surgeon were more inclined to pursue lymphedema surgery as compared to patients educated by other sources (p=0.002). This gives value to the information about lymphedema surgery coming from the surgeon.
Conclusion
The emergence of lymphedema surgery offers a new avenue for patient care, and with that emergence comes a new population that we must define to better serve them and make them more educated about their options. Early patient exposure to medical management of lymphedema including surgical treatment may overall improve patient's early access to lymphedema surgery, thus improving patient selection and surgical outcomes.
