Abstract: Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a WeChat-based case management model in improving postoperative lymphedema and quality of life in patients with gynecological cancer, so as to provide guidance for expanding the application of case management strategies for postoperative lymphedema in this population. Methods: A non-concurrent controlled study was conducted at a tertiary grade A hospital in Suzhou. Patients diagnosed with postoperative Lower Limb Lymphedema (LLL) following gynecological oncology surgery were conveniently selected and divided into two groups. The control group (n=37) who was admitted from Oct to Dec 2023, received standard care during hospitalization and attended follow-up appointments at the Vascular Surgery Outpatient Department and the Lymphedema Nursing Outpatient Department three and six months after the surgery. The intervention group (n=36) who was admitted from Jan to Mar 2024, received a case management model facilitated by a case manager through a WeChat program. Both groups were evaluated using the volume of the affected limb, the score of Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) Scale. Results: Thirty-five patients in each group completed the study. The volume of the affected limb and the total scores of Lymph-ICF-LL Scale were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group three and six months after the surgery. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in time, group and interaction effects (P<0.05), indicating that the intervention group experienced greater improvements in LLL and quality of life. Conclusion: The WeChat-based case management model can improve the volume of lymphedema limb and quality of life in LLL patients.

Key words: Wechat program; case management; Lower Limb Lymphedema; quality of life