Early Detection Lymphoedema Service, St James’s Hospital 

What : This physiotherapy service reviews patients before and after their cancer treatment to detect very early changes in limb volume and start lymphoedema education and exercises as early as possible. The service uses a state-of-the-art SOZO Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) to measure patients’ fluid and tissues before and after surgery.  

Patients are provided with information on lymphoedema prevention including exercise and skin care advice and managing early signs and symptoms of lymphoedema. Patients are reviewed after surgery at different time points, as determined by the Senior Physiotherapist. Patients who develop lymphoedema can be directly referred to the lymphoedema management services. 

Where: Gynae Oncology Outpatient Clinics and Nurse Led Preoperative Breast Care Clinics, Outpatients Physiotherapy Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8   

For who: Gynaecological or Breast Cancer Patients attending St James’s Hospital, planned for surgery including removal of lymph nodes, and at risk of developing lymphoedema.  

Cost: No cost. If the patient requires a compression garment, this will be provided by the hospital. 

How : Suitable patients will be picked up at Outpatient Clinics, or referred to the Physiotherapist by the Nurse Specialists or doctors.  

Contact: Kelly Coghlan, Acting Senior Physiotherapist – Early Detection Lymphoedema.

Phone: 01 410 3848  Email: kcoghlan@stjames.ie