Key points for postoperative care of patients with esophageal cancer

Postoperative care for esophageal cancer patients can focus on routine indicator testing, gastrointestinal decompression care, oral care, routine oxygen care, and careful dietary care, etc., and carefully carry out postoperative care to restore the patient to health as soon as possible.

1. Conventional indicator monitoring

After esophageal cancer surgery, patients should follow routine nursing requirements, closely observe changes in vital signs, and carefully record intensive care records.

Ensure the patency of the patient's closed chest drainage tube, closely observe its properties, color, and quantity, and keep records.

2. Gastrointestinal decompression care

Keep the patient's gastric tube unobstructed and properly fix it to prevent it from falling out. Once the gastric tube is found to have fallen out, the drainage volume, properties, and odor should be closely observed and recorded. It should not be reinserted blindly without authorization to avoid puncturing the anastomosis and causing anastomotic fistula.

3. Oral care at all times

Ask patients to gargle frequently to keep the oral cavity clean and prevent oral mucosal erosion.

4. Careful diet

After esophageal cancer surgery, you should fast for 3-4 days. After the anus is exhausted and the gastrointestinal decompression drainage volume is reduced, the gastric tube should be removed and gastrointestinal decompression should be stopped for 24 hours. If there is no dyspnea, severe chest pain and other symptoms, you can eat gradually, adding liquid food and semi-liquid food.

5. Routine oxygen care

Oxygen inhalation should be routinely given after esophageal cancer surgery, and the oxygen flow rate should be adjusted according to actual conditions. Oxygen inhalation can be performed through a nasal cannula or a mask.