ABSTRACT:
Surgery for primary and secondary liver cancer offers the only potential cure for these aggressive malignancies. At this NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center approximately 250-300 liver resections are performed annually. Over the past 10 years the mortality rate at major cancer centers has decreased to less than 5% due to advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia administration, and enhanced perioperative care. Liver resection can be associated with complications such as biloma (bile collection) and subphrenic abscess formation during the postoperative course. Abscess formation may occur due to accumulation of contaminated bile in the area adjacent to the hepatic resection margin. Nursing knowledge of hepatic physiology and postoperative complications is essential to effectively manage, educate, and care for this patient population. Nursing care in the immediate postoperative period must prioritize keen patient assessment, maintenance of hemodynamic balance, and early detection of potential complications. A biloma may resolve through placement of a drainage catheter, or may simply resolve without intervention. However, subphrenic abscess requires a drainage catheter and antibiotic treatment. A drainage catheter is placed under fluoroscopy by the interventional radiology team and often remains in place post discharge. The nurse provides the patient/caregiver with written materials and a video that explains the purpose and function of the catheter. Verbal and written materials are given and return demonstration of catheter care is incorporated in the teaching process. The nurse provides support, reassurance, feedback, and pertinent explanation regarding the drainage catheter with the goal of preventing complications at home. Astute nursing management post liver resection is essential to improve the outcome of liver surgery. This presentation will 1) provide an overview of biloma and abscess formation, 2) outline the nursing plan of care for identifying and managing biloma and subphrenic abscess post liver resection, and 3) describe effective patient/caregiver education plan for drainage catheter management.