Preoperative care for individuals facing gastric cancer is a critical phase that encompasses nutritional support, psychological care, preoperative assessments, bowel preparation, and respiratory function exercises. This comprehensive care plan helps to reduce surgical risks and promotes postoperative recovery.
Nutritional Support
Individuals with gastric cancer often suffer from malnutrition, necessitating a diet rich in high-quality protein or enteral nutrition supplements preoperatively. Easily absorbed nutritional formulas such as whey protein powder and short peptide nutritional agents can be utilized. For those severely malnourished, doctors might recommend intravenous nutrition support 7-10 days prior to surgery. Nutritional assessments should monitor weight and serum albumin levels, aiming to maintain albumin above 30g/L.
Psychological Care
Surgical anxiety is a common concern, and it’s crucial for healthcare providers to thoroughly explain the surgery process and anesthesia methods. Relaxation training and mindfulness meditation can help alleviate anxiety. Encouraging family involvement in psychological support can aid in building confidence for treatment. For those with depressive tendencies, timely consultation with a psychiatric department is essential.
Preoperative Assessments
Completing routine examinations such as blood tests, coagulation profiles, and electrocardiograms helps assess surgical tolerance. Endoscopies and CT scans clarify tumor location and staging. Cardiopulmonary function tests are particularly important for older individuals, and rehabilitation training might be necessary if needed. For those with chronic diseases, it’s imperative to keep blood pressure and blood sugar within a safe range.
Bowel Preparation
Starting three days preoperatively, patients should adopt a low-residue diet, transitioning to a liquid diet one day before surgery. Following medical orders, patients should use a polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution for bowel cleansing, ensuring clear liquid stools. Fasting should begin eight hours before surgery, and water intake should be avoided four hours before. Diabetic patients need to adjust insulin dosage to prevent hypoglycemia.
Respiratory Function Exercises
Patients are instructed in abdominal breathing and effective coughing exercises, to be performed three times a day for ten minutes each session. Smokers must quit smoking for at least two weeks. The use of respiratory training devices can improve lung function. For individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preoperative nebulizer treatment should be administered.
| Nutritional Support | Protein-rich diets, whey protein, short peptide agents, intravenous nutrition for severe cases. |
|---|---|
| Psychological Care | Explain surgery process, relaxation training, mindfulness, family support, psychiatric consultation for depression. |
| Preoperative Assessments | Blood tests, coagulation profiles, ECG, endoscopies, CT scans, cardiopulmonary function tests. |
| Bowel Preparation | Low-residue diet, liquid diet, polyethylene glycol solution, fasting, water restriction, insulin adjustment for diabetics. |
| Respiratory Function Exercises | Abdominal breathing, effective coughing, smoking cessation, respiratory devices, nebulizer treatment for COPD. |
Individuals should maintain regular routines and avoid strenuous exercise. Multiple small meals with easily digestible foods like egg custards and lotus root powder are recommended. Oral hygiene is crucial, with daily rinsing using saline solution. Family members should assist in recording daily intake and output, monitoring for abnormal signs such as melena.
Skin Preparation and Medication Testing
The day before surgery, skin preparation and medication skin tests are necessary. Ensuring ample sleep the night before surgery is also vital. Any symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain should be promptly reported to medical staff.
Physical Activity and Rest
Engaging in gentle physical activity and getting adequate rest are essential. It’s important to prepare for skin tests and other preoperative procedures, ensuring a good night’s sleep to promote recovery and reduce stress.
Nutrition and Health
Nutrition plays a vital role in health and recovery. A well-balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals supports the immune system and aids in wound healing. Individuals should consult with a dietitian for personalized nutrition plans.
Mental Well-being
Mental health is equally important. Engaging in relaxation techniques, seeking social support, and being open to professional help can significantly improve one’s well-being. Communication with healthcare providers about mental health concerns is encouraged.
Respiratory Health
Respiratory health is paramount, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and proper medication adherence can improve lung function. Nebulizer treatments can also provide relief for those with chronic lung diseases.