Dados do Resumo

Título

The role of nurses in nursing consultations for patients in preoperative breast reconstruction surgeries: an experience report.

Introdução

Breast cancer is most prevalent in the female population, accounting for 24.5% of cases. In Brazil, due to frequent late diagnosis, 70% of cases result in mastectomy as an option. Breast reconstructions aim to improve the appearance and symmetry of the breasts after a mastectomy, and nurses play a crucial role in this process, providing guidance during the preoperative and postoperative periods.

Objetivo

To describe the experience attained by nurses in ambulatory care during nursing consultations for patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgeries with implants or tissue expanders.

Métodos

A descriptive study based on experience reports regarding the role of nurses in nursing consultations for preoperative breast reconstruction surgeries with implants or tissue expanders at a Cancer Center located in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. The practice described has been ongoing since July 2018. As this is an experience report, approval from the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) was not required.

Resultados

Patients indicated for breast reconstruction with implants or tissue expanders are referred by a plastic surgeon from the patients' reconstructive team for a nursing consultation. During these appointments, the patient receives instructions on care throughout the perioperative period, as well as a prophylactic kit containing an informative folder, a tube of antibiotic ointment for nasal application three times a day, and two flasks chlorhexidine gluconate soap solution with instructions for use once a day, both starting five days before the surgery date. Additionally, the patient also receives guidance on diet and lifestyle habits that could negatively affect postoperative recovery, as well as detailed instructions on wound care, silicone drain management and key warning signs to seek emergency care.

Conclusões

It’s clear that nursing consultations aim to clarify doubts and provide guidance to encourage self-care, reducing the need for emergency care and risks that could lead to postoperative complications, and as a result, promoting the patient’s quality of life. This integrated and individualized approach significantly contributes to optimizing surgical outcomes and the patient’s full recovery, reinforcing nurses’ important roles as vital links in the patient’s care journey.

Palavras Chave

Breast Neoplasms; Primary Nursing; Ambulatory Care