Needs and care of patients undergoing subtotal pancreatectomy for cancer

Charts of 45 patients, who underwent subtotal pancreatectomy for cancer, at the University Hospital in Lund, over a 5-year period, were reviewed. The aim was to determine how the patients' symptoms and needs were assessed and cared for as documented by medical and nursing professionals. Data were collected on 107 items of interest for nursing care. The symptoms the patients experienced had consequences on many aspects of their lives. Basic functions, such as eating and elimination, were seriously disturbed before surgery, as well as after the first 3 weeks and 3 months. Pain and changes in sleeping pattern and in mood state were recorded for a majority of the patients. Due to inadequate notes the study cannot reveal the total care given to assist these patients with symptom control. However, certain insufficiencies could be found. The conclusion is that nurses can take a more active part in caring for patients with pancreatic cancer. By using assessment tools, and in cooperation with the surgeons, nurses can assist the patients with nutritional support, pain management, information and emotional support, as well as with physical training, leading to qualitative improvements in the lives of patients with pancreatic cancer.