Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Surgical treatment
involving partial or total breast removal is a frequent therapeutic approach, often combined
with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to investigate
postoperative complications following mastectomy and nursing interventions used to
prevent and manage them during the acute postoperative period. Methods: A descriptive
research method was used in writing the thesis. A review of Slovenian and international
professional and scientific literature was conducted. Sources were searched in bibliographic
databases such as CINAHL Ultimate, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and COBISS. The
literature search also included screening of reference lists from relevant sources. Results:
Key nursing interventions after mastectomy during the acute postoperative phase include
pain management, prevention of lymphedema, and postoperative wound care. Interventions
related to the patient’s physical well-being are often intertwined with the psychological
burden of the surgical procedure. The type of surgical procedure is an important factor, as it
allows nurses to better prepare for postoperative care and anticipate potential complications;
however, this requires in-depth knowledge of surgical approaches. The literature emphasizes
the nurse’s role as educator and counselor and highlights the importance of health education
tailored to individual needs and ongoing training. Discussion and Conclusion: Nursing care
after mastectomy involves more than basic interventions it requires comprehensive
professional knowledge and well-developed clinical skills to provide holistic support to
patients. Effective pain management using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological
methods significantly contributes to reducing discomfort and accelerating recovery. Proper
wound care, careful monitoring for complications such as hematoma, surgical site infection,
and lymphedema, along with essential nursing interventions supporting fundamental life
activities, are key to patient satisfaction upon discharge. Further development is possible
through a comparison of existing clinical guidelines (e.g., Slovenia vs. abroad) and the
creation or enhancement of clinical pathways in nursing care following various types of
mastectomy and reconstruction using modern approaches.
|
