Background: Lack of information after surgery for cervical cancer to women who are at risk of developing lymphoedema can lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment of this side effect.
Material and methods: Former patients with cervical cancer and vulvar cancer were asked whether they remembered having been counselled about lymphoedema post-operatively and whether they were satisfied with the information received. 83 out of 92 returned a mailed questionnaire assessing the standard of the information given before discharge.
Results: 30% of the patients were satisfied with the information given. About 30% reported that they had received neither written nor oral information about lymphoedema. 18 women stated the importance of oral information. 20% had symptoms of lymphoedema of the lower limbs.
Interpretation: The study confirms the importance of patient education given verbally before discharge. Health personnel with extensive knowledge and experience in the area should give this information.