Analysis of risk factors for lymphedema of the lower limbs after endometrial cancer surgery and suggestions for prevention and treatment

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of lower limb lymphedema in patients with endometrial cancer after surgery and to make recommendations for prevention and treatment. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 135 patients with endometrial cancer treated in the Department of Gynecology of the Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2013 to December 2019 and analyzed the risk factors of lower limb lymphedema in patients with endometrial cancer after surgery using single factor analysis and multi-factor logistic regression analysis. Results: The incidence of postoperative lower limb lymphedema in patients with endometrial cancer was 11.11%. The results of one-way Chi-square test analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), surgical method, number of lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy were related to the occurrence of lower limb lymphedema, and multi-factor logistic analysis showed that BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 6.207), number of lymph node dissection (OR = 4.223), and radiotherapy (OR = 8.081) were the risk factors for lower limb lymphedema after endometrial cancer surgery. Conclusion: Patients with endometrial cancer with BMI ≥≥25 kg/m2, high number of lymph node dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy are more likely to develop lower limb lymphedema, and they should be given priority attention and timely preventive and curative measures.