Objective To investigate the clinical effects of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction and Neixiao pill cutting assisted with external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of breast cancer patients with postoperative upper limb lymphedema.

Methods We selected 138 breast cancer patients with postoperative upper limb lymphedema treated in our hospital from January 2017 to June 2019, and they were randomly divided into two groups: control group (western medicine intervention, n=69) and observation group (Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction and Neixiao pill cutting assisted with external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine on the basis of control group, n=69). The improvement rates of upper limbs edema and quality of life, TCM syndrome score and circumference difference of upper limbs before and after treatment, adverse reactions and recurrence rate between two groups were compared.

Results The improvement rate of upper limbs edema and quality of life of observation group were significantly higher than those of control group (both P < 0.05). The TCM syndrome score of observation group on the 14th day after treatment were significantly lower than those of control group and before treatment (P < 0.05). The circumference difference of upper limbs of observation group on the 7th and 14th days after treatment were significantly lower than those of control group and before treatment (P < 0.05). There was no serious adverse reaction during the treatment course in two groups.

Conclusion Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction and Neixiao pill cutting assisted with external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine could efficiently improve the clinical symptoms, promote the disappearance of upper limb edema and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients with postoperative upper limb lymphedema, with satisfactory safety.