CN69 - Experiences of patients after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A qualitative study

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can control the disease state of patients with limited peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). In spite of the fact that it is an effective and promising treatment, it has a big impact on various aspects of patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study is to explore experiences and needs of patients with digestive tumors after CRS/HIPEC (short and long-term).

Methods

An explorative qualitative design was used. Individual semi-structured interviews were performed with 15 patients (2-14 months postoperatively) between December 2020 and May 2021 in one expert university hospital in Belgium. Data-analysis was done using thematic analysis and investigators’ triangulation was used.

Results

Before surgery, patients relied on the expertise of the surgeon and saw the surgery as their only hope. After surgery, patients underestimated rehabilitation due to acute and long-term effects of the treatment. They described their relatives as a second victim but experienced their support at the same time. Patients were grateful for the future but also had fear for recurrence. Treatment by an experienced surgeon and the counseling of a clinical nurse specialist was seen as an added value. The need for contact with peers varied among patients.

Conclusions

CRS/HIPEC has a large impact on patients’ and their relatives’ lives. Patients were confronted with short and long-term effects. The healthcare professionals (HCPs) should adapt the amount and kind of information before surgery to the coping mechanism of the patient. Counseling afterwards is necessary. HCPs should pay attention to the needs of the relatives as well and explore if the patients have a need to meet with peers.

Clinical trial identification

B6702020000805.

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.