Postoperativ sårinfektion efter rektumamputation - Patientens upplevelser
Postoperativ sårinfektionRektumamputationPatientupplevelserPostoperative wound infectionsProctectomyPatient experiences
Background: Poor perineal wound healing and infections after proctectomy surgery, affect a significant proportion of physical and psychological morbidities such as pain, leakage and abscesses. In its lengthening some of these symptoms will lead to extended periods of hospitalization. These kind of postoperative complications are also associated with delays in eventual chemotherapy treatment Aim: To describe the patients experiences of postoperative wound infection as well as communication and self-care support from the nurse specialist after proctectomy due to rectal cancer. Method: A qualitative content analysis was carried out from interviews. Results: Four main categories emerged; ?Coping with postoperative complications?, ?be independent?, ?feel safe?, and ?accept the situation?. The ability to be independent change drastically for the patient, but through continuity in care it is possible to create a feeling of being safe. Information/communication as well as self-care training are all important and valuable factors for recovery. The limitations and changes in their lives turn into a new daily routine which forces them to find a new way to live and to accept the situation. Discussion: The findings show a high degree of consistency among the individuals who participated in the study. For many of them the infections remained for several months and sometimes, for years. A specialized care containing an action plan is needed in clinical practice in order to reduce the number of perineal wound infections postoperatively and should be initiated when the patient is discharged from the ward and until recovery.