Postoperative wound infections after a proctectomy Patient
Journal article, 2016
Abstract
Poor perineal wound healing and infections after proctectomy surgery cause a significant proportion of physical and
psychological morbidities, such as pain, leakage, and abscesses. In the long run, some of these symptoms will lead to
extended periods of hospitalization. These kinds of postoperative complications are also associated with delays in possible
chemotherapy treatment. The aim of this study was to describe patient experiences of perineal wound infections following
proctectomy due to rectal cancer, and the importance of the communication with and the self-care support from the nurse
for these patients. Five women and five men (61-87 years, median age 71 years) were included and interviewed. A
qualitative content analysis of the interviews was carried out and the following main categories emerged: ‘‘Managing
postoperative complications,’’ ‘‘Being independent,’’ ‘‘Feeling safe,’’ and ‘‘Accepting the situation.’’ A perineal wound
infection after a proctectomy is devastating for the individual patient. The limitations and changes to the patients’ lives turn
into new daily routines, which force them to find new ways to live and to accept the situation. For many of them, the
infections remained for several months and, sometimes, for years. The ability to lead an independent life is drastically
reduced, but through continuity in care it is possible to create a feeling of safety. Information, communication, and self-care
support are all important and valuable factors for recovery. Specialized care containing an action plan is therefore needed in
clinical practice to reduce the number of perineal wound infections postoperatively and should be initiated when the patient
is discharged from the ward and continue until recovery
symptoms
Key words: Nursing
colorectal surgery
patient experiences
postoperative infections