How to care for wounds after melanoma surgery

We should not underestimate melanoma. Although its incidence is not high, its malignancy is very high, and its metastasis is high, and its mortality rate is also quite high. Malignant melanoma is a skin tumor that is produced by melanocytes in the skin and organs. Surgery for malignant melanoma is a relatively common treatment method, so how should we care after surgery?

Postoperative care for melanoma

For patients who undergo surgery for malignant melanoma, if there are no contraindications, they can get out of bed and move around 1-7 days after surgery, that is, early out of bed activities. They can be supported by their family members to walk around in the ward to promote the recovery of the functions of various parts of the body, but they can only do mild normal activities and avoid strenuous exercises such as climbing and riding a bicycle. If the surgical trauma is severe and the physical strength is poor after the operation, and they cannot get out of bed, they can do limb exercises and turn over in bed. If the body recovers well, the amount of exercise can be gradually increased and the content of exercise can be changed, from walking, qigong, tai chi to gymnastics and even jogging.

Due to surgical trauma, there may be eyelid swelling, conjunctival edema, pain in the affected eye, and occasional nausea and vomiting in the early stage after surgery. Explain the situation to the patient and his family, pay attention to the time and nature of postoperative eye pain, and assess whether the pain is caused by pulling the extraocular muscles, corneal epithelial damage, sutures touching the cornea, or discomfort caused by pressure bandages. Adjust the bandage in time or use analgesics to relieve the pain according to the cause of the pain. If eye pain worsens 3 days after surgery, be alert to complications such as intraocular hemorrhage and report to the doctor in time for timely treatment. This is one of the postoperative care for malignant melanoma.

Intraocular hemorrhage and secondary retinal detachment are the main complications. Closely monitor whether the patient has red shadows floating in front of the eyes, decreased vision, etc. If the above-mentioned symptoms of vitreous hemorrhage occur, the patient should be immediately placed in a semi-sitting position to allow the blood under the retina to accumulate downward due to gravity, prevent the formation of epiretinal membranes in the macular area and improve the field of vision. Instruct the patient to reduce eye movement, prevent active subretinal bleeding, and pay attention to changes in blood pressure. Use drugs as prescribed by the doctor to stop bleeding and promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. If fixed black shadows, flashes, and a sharp decrease in vision occur in front of the eyes, be alert to the occurrence of secondary retinal detachment. Instruct the patient to rest in bed more except for eating, going to the toilet, and necessary examinations, pay attention to the protection of the operated eye, do not shake the head, rub the operated eye, and assist the patient in various life care.