Patients' experiences of postoperative health related to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy

Abstract

Both staff and future patients may benefit from the patients' experiences after CRS and HIPEC described in this study. The knowledge gained from this study could be used in designing a care plan for future patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC.

Postoperative health and patients' experiences of efficiency and quality of care after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, two to six months after surgery

“…In a study by Eriksson et al (2013), which was performed before discharge, PC patients participating in this study were focused on getting to know their body's physical functions anew and did not have much time to reflect on their psychological reactions. Four months after surgery, getting well physically was still the focus despite the occurrence of some complications, poor stamina, fatigue, some sleeping and eating difficulties, and the occurrence of diarrhoea and constipation, which could be persistent even six months after surgery before improving later in the recovery phase (Tsilimparis et al, 2013).…”

“…However, the sense of being in good health is a subjective feeling that should be studied individually. In one study, patients with PC described themselves being in good mental health before discharge from the hospital despite feeling they were on an emotional roller coaster, having crying attacks one minute and laughing the next (Eriksson et al, 2013). Many talked about getting to know their body functions from the beginning again while they had to deal with nausea, pain, bowel functions, and, to a certain point, altered eating/drinking or sleeping habits.…”

“…The surgical procedure and the recovery process after CRS and HIPEC are felt to be arduous and difficult (Eriksson et al, 2013). In the early period of postoperative recovery after CRS and HIPEC, which extends from discontinuation of anaesthesia after surgery until the patient is ready for discharge (Allvin, 2009;Korttila, 1995;Wolfer, 1973), patients re-established their physical functions and activity within the first postoperative week before discharge (day 1e7 after surgery) (Arakelian et al, 2011a,b).…”

“…Despite the fact that patients experienced nausea during their hospital stay, oral feeding, bowel function and bowel movement was regained within 7e10 days postoperatively. Sixtyseven per cent of the patients had difficulties sleeping and almost 18% needed psychological support during their hospital stay after CRS and HIPEC (Eriksson et al, 2013).…”

“…Although all the patients were grateful for having the surgery done, they worried about their uncertain future and death. The surgeon and the staff members were indicated as important support sources in the patient's recovery process (Eriksson et al, 2013).…”