Lymphoedemas and other swellings – Getting the best results using shared objective findings
The Society is pleased to welcome Professor Neil Piller to speak on his work in the area of lymphoedema. Please join us on Tuesday 15 August 2023 at 6.00PM on the Zoom platform.Please register on eventbrite here. Registration is free.
Abstract: Lymphoedemas and other swellings – Getting the best results using shared objective findings
A primary lymphatic disorder may underly secondary lymphoedemas: an early sign of a functional deficiency in the system to remove the awaiting lymph load is the accumulation of fluid in and around the dysfunctional lymphatics. The first sign of a failing system is fluid accumulation, which can be detected by techniques including bio-impedance spectroscopy (indicating segmental or whole limb changes), or tissue dielectric constants (site-specific fluids at various depths); a failing superficial lymphatic system can be detected using Indo-cyanin green, a failing deeper one by lympho-scintigraphy. As lymphoedema progresses, there is increasing deposition of fibrous and fatty tissues, the former which can be detected by Indurometry, Tonometry etc.
Conservative treatment/management of lymphoedemas can be divided up into those which reduce lymph load and those which assist lymph flow such as manual lymphatic drainage, breathing, and exercise/activity. Depending on the stage of lymphoedema progression, other treatments range from low-level laser and electro-stimulation to negative pressure. A major issue sometimes compromising good outcomes for treatment relates to the delivery of an accurate pressure and pressure gradient as this is often the core of lymphoedema treatment.
Targeted and sequenced treatment based on objective information is crucial: the accuracy and integration of this information is critical for optimal outcomes for the patient and must be shared with them and an integrated health professional team.
Bio: Professor Neil Piller is Director of the Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit at the Centre for Innovation in Cancer of Flinders University.
Neil has authored/co-authored over 200 journal/book publications, and has delivered approximately 30 invited international presentations. He holds editorial roles for the publications “Lymphatic Research/Biology”, “Lymphology”, “Phlebology” and the “Journal of Lymphoedema” and is patron of the lymphoedema Association of Australia, a patient advocacy group.
Neil and his team have a wide range of interests including the effect of vibration on normal and lymphoedematous legs, exploring the accuracy of applied pressure profiles in the lower leg. In conjunction with other national sites, he and his group trialled LYT-100 for the treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema and are moving on to an integrated study of the impact of a massage pad on leg lymphedemas.
Neil’s PhD students are currently researching the impact of climate/climate change on chronic oedemas, the benefits of digital accessibility in health care of chronic condition,s and the benefits of pre- screening programs for the earlier detection of lymphoedemas.
Neil is committed to improving the outcomes for lymphoedema patients by ensuring treatment strategies are targeted/sequenced to improve outcomes which meet patient functional and personal needs.