Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2025

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Understanding the supportive care needs among discharged patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy: A
Zi Yun Li1, Jin Ying Ren1, Jiu Di Zhong2
1School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan 2 Rd 74#, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
Purpose:
Patients with esophageal cancer experience physical and psychosocial difficulties after surgery. Understanding their unmet supportive care needs could help medical staff in providing high quality of care. This study aimed to gain insights into the supportive care needs of discharged patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy.
Method:
A descriptive qualitative study design was used. A purposive sample of 20 patients was studied using semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.
Results:
Four themes and 14 sub-themes emerged from the analysis: (1) symptom management needs (dysphagia, reflux, fatigue, and other symptoms), (2) dietary and nutritional needs (unclear nutrition information, eating habit change, and dining out restriction), (3) psychosocial adjustment needs (stigma, dependency, fear of recurrence, and desire for normalcy), and (4) social support needs (medical staff support, family support, and peer support).
Conclusion:
Chinese patients with esophageal cancer have various unmet supportive care needs after esophagectomy. Medical professionals should recognize patients' unmet supportive care needs in time, provide professional access and practical guidance, relieve their bad mood, and fully utilize online communicating channels, such as a consulting platform or a WeChat group, for further support.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...

