Evangelista, Criselda Marie M.

Palliative Surgery Definition A consideration for disease related complications that compromise vital functions and generates symptoms that interfere with function and quality of life. Palliative surgery involves carrying out procedures to reduce the amount of pain a patient is suffering from and/or to improve their quality of life. A type of an operation performed on an incurable disease, which is justified to decrease severity of signs and symptoms and improve the quality of life, relieve paincordectomy, hemorrhagecystectomy for bleeding urinary bladder, obstructioncolostomy or gastroenterostomy, or infection amputation of a necrotic and malodorous tumor-ridden breast or extremity. To palliate means to ease or to relieve. Some of the main symptoms that can be helped or totally relieved by this kind of surgery are:* pain,* the inability to move or to function as usual, or* an obstruction (something that blocks a necessary body function) of bowel or bladder function. Typical Procedures Where cancer is concerned, palliative surgery will obviously incorporate treating pain where no other method of pain control is available but it can also be used in other ways, such as with certain cancers which grow around the abdomen area which may become enlarged to the point where they obstruct or block off the intestine. In this instance, palliative surgery might be carried out to remove the blockage. Its also important to remember that palliative surgery doesnt have to be related to cancer treatment. Other palliative procedures are also sometimes used where there are progressive neurological conditions, in heart failure, renal disease and other progressive pulmonary disorders. PERIOPERATIVE (O.R.) NURSE As surgical care advances, so does the scope of nurses responsibilities. O.R. nurses are now referred to as Perioperative Registered Nurses to more accurately reflect their duties immediately before, during, and after surgery. Perioperative registered nurses are relied upon for their professional judgment and critical thinking skills. They may work closely with the surgical patient, family members, and other health care professionals. They help plan, implement, and evaluate treatment of the patient. Roles:Perioperative registered nurses provide surgical patient care by assessing, planning, and implementing the nursing care patients receive before, during and after surgery. These activities include patient assessment, creating and maintaining a sterile and safe surgical environment, pre- and post-operative patient education, monitoring the patients physical and emotional well-being, and integrating and coordinating patient care throughout the surgical care continuum.

The Duties of a Surgical Nurse Pre-operatively: Preparation of patients for their procedure involves ensuring pre-medication is administered, the patient/guardian has given written consent, the required bloodtests have been done, identification labels and identification bracelets are correct, all allergies have been recorded in the patient's notes and that the patient has been fasted appropriately. Post-Operatively: Post-operatively the patient must be closely observed for signs of shock, arrest. The surgical nurse also ensures the wound created by the surgery is intact, and must be knowledgeable in wound care and the care of surgical drains. Surgical Nurses are responsible for the management of pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting, which are common post-operative side effects. The surgical nurse is also responsible for the discharge of the patient and giving the patient information on support systems and measures necessary to their recovery. Intra-Operatively: The perioperative registered nurse may assume any of the following responsibilities: Scrub nurse works directly with the surgeon within the sterile field by passing instruments, sponges, and other items needed during the surgical procedure. Circulating nurse works outside the sterile field. Responsible for managing the nursing care within the O.R. by observing the surgical team from a broad perspective and assisting the team in creating and maintaining a safe, comfortable environment.