No abstract

No abstract

BackgroundVascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a surgical treatment for lymphedema. Multiple methods have been described and each has significant disadvantages.Study DesignWe performed VLNT in patients with upper extremity lymphedema resulting from breast cancer surgery. We used lymph nodes of the greater curvature of the stomach (VLNTg). We describe outcomes of the patients suffering from postmastectomy lymphedema who received VLNTg for treatment of lymphedema. Harvest from the periphery of the left gastroepiploic vessel was conducted.ResultsWe retrospectively reviewed data of 24 female patients suffering from lymphedema following breast cancer treatment who underwent lymph node transplantation from 2012 to 2017. Axillary lymphadenectomy had been performed in all cases. In 18 patients, upper limb lymphedema was present for at least 1 year (mean = 5.6 years; range, 1–15 years). In 6 patients, it was present for only a few months (mean = 5 months; range, 3–8 months).ConclusionsThe greater curvature of the stomach nodes (VLNTg) is an excellent option for the treatment of upper extremity lymphedema because there is no risk of complications and the scar is easily concealed. Improvement from lymphedema can be expected in a majority of patients.

The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of developing coherent spiritual care programs in hospitals and removing administrative barriers. Teaching spiritual care in nursing courses at schools and continuing education programs for training of healthcare team members are necessary. Likewise, forming a spiritual care team with oncology nurses at the center and defining their members' roles and responsibilities are essential. Hospital managers can also make fruitful steps by establishing a monitoring system and identifying the needs and barriers for spiritual care in oncology settings.

Background:Family caregivers of patients with mental disorders play the most important role in the care of psychiatric patients (PPs) and preventing their readmission. These caregivers face different challenges in different cultures. We conducted this study to determine the challenges of caregivers of patients with mental disorders in Iran.Materials and Methods:This study is a narrative review with a matrix approach conducted by searching electronic databases, SID, IRANMEDEX, MAGIRAN, PUBMED, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences, from February 2000 to 2017. Searched keywords include challenges, family caregivers of psychiatric patient, family caregivers and psychiatric patient, mental illness, families of psychiatric patient, and Iran. One thousand two hundred articles were found in English and Farsi, and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 articles were examined.Results:The results of the studies show that not meeting the needs of caregivers, burnout and high burden of care, high social stigma, low social support for caregivers, and low quality of life of caregivers were among the most important challenges faced by caregivers.Conclusions:Despite the efforts of authorities in Iran, family caregivers of patients with mental disorders still face challenges. Therefore, the need for all-inclusive support for family caregivers of patients with mental health problems is necessary.

Objective.The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and spiritual-religious intervention in improvement coping responses and quality of life among women surviving from breast cancer.Methods.This was a semi-experimental study. Forty-five breast cancer survivor referred to cancer research center at Shahid Beheshti university of medical Sciences in Tehran, assigned in 3 groups randomly (CBT group, spiritual-religious group and control group). The interventions were eight sessions cognitive-behavioral therapy and spiritual-religious intervention. The participants were evaluated through quality of life questionnaire published by european organization for research and treatment of cancer (QLQ-30C-ver3) and coping responses inventory (CRI). The data were analyzed using covariance.Finding.Although both intervention groups improved in coping and quality of life, it was not statistically significant(P < 0.08).Conclusion.Although both intervention groups improved in coping and quality of life but there is no differences between two groups.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The present research purpose is to assess the effectiveness of sexual skills in the improvement of sexual function, sexual satisfaction and body image of women suffering from breast cancer. 24 patients suffering from breast cancer was selected from among the cancer sufferers hospitalized in Shohaday-e Tajrish Hospital who were then assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent twelve 90-minute sessions of sexual skills training. Results of covariance analysis indicated that sexual skills' training improves the sexual satisfaction. No significant effectiveness was observed in terms of patients' body image. With regard to the high prevalence of breast cancer among women, sexual skills training can improve sexual function and enhance sexual satisfaction among patients suffering from breast cancer.

Objective: The nature of cancer increases the spiritual needs of patients and necessitates the provision of holistic care for them. By trying to meet the spiritual needs of patients, oncology nurses can help them adapt, gain inner peace, and develop positive thoughts and attitudes. This study aimed to explore the consequences of spiritual care for cancer patients and oncology nurses from the perspective of the patients, family members, nurses, and other health-care team members. Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis in 2016–2017. The data were collected through semi-structured deep interviews of the 18 participants. Results: The theme extracted from the data was “spiritual growth” and comprised the major categories of “nurse's spiritual development” and “patient's spiritual development.” There were three subcategories in the nurse's spiritual development and 11 subcategories in the patient's spiritual development. Conclusions: Spiritual care places the cancer patient and the oncology nurse on the path to spiritual growth. The achievement of peace by the patient and the nurse was a common consequence of spiritual care. It helps the nurse promote comfort and a sense of peace in the patient and eventually to obtain inner satisfaction. Considering the transcendental effects of spiritual care, a systematic plan should be devised to enhance sensitivity in oncology nurses and encourage them to make spiritual care a component of interventional plans.