Nursing measures after osteosarcoma surgery

Osteosarcoma is a common primary malignant bone tumor with a slightly lower incidence than chondrosarcoma. Tumor cells can directly form bone-like tissue or bone. Surgery is one of the commonly used methods for treating osteosarcoma. Postoperative care measures can be divided into general care and special care.

1. General care

(1) After surgery, the incision should be kept dry, and the healing of the incision, swelling of the affected limb, and the sensation of blood flow should be observed to avoid prolonged pressure on the incision to prevent necrosis.

(2) Do not eat immediately after surgery. Eat nutritious liquid or semi-liquid food 6-12 hours later.

(3) If the patient needs chemotherapy to consolidate the treatment effect, it should be started 2 weeks after the operation, when the incision has healed and the general condition has recovered.

2. Special Care

(1) After limb-sparing surgery, patients with osteosarcoma in the limbs can use a stent, pillow, etc. to elevate the affected limb to facilitate blood circulation.

(2) The placement of the limb fixed with a plaster splint should be comfortable, conducive to venous return, without causing plaster breakage or compressing local soft tissue.

(3) Closely observe the sensation, movement, and numbness of the distal fingers and toes to understand whether the limb nerves are compressed or damaged.

(4) For pain caused by amputation, the nature of the incision pain should be fully understood and symptomatic treatment should be given.

(5) Observe the color, temperature, and sensation of the skin at the edge of the incision to see if there is any necrosis, and take appropriate measures.