The necessity of information of mastectomized woman subsidizing the nursing assistance

Abstract

The mastectomy is an aggressive surgical procedure that is followed by traumatic consequences in experiences of life and health of women, so the perioperative period assistance is vital. We aimed to verify with the mastectomized women which  information that they would like to receive before surgery to raise the needs of information in the postoperative and to contribute to the development of a protocol for nursing perioperative care to mastectomized woman. Methods: the data had been collected by recorded interviews, guided by opened questions conducted with sixteen women served in ambulatory in the first semester of 2006. Responses were categorized into 2 classes of needs: the preoperative and the postoperative period and five subcategories: before surgery: be operated; feeling the treatment; the cancer in me; adaptation to new life; be interned. In the postoperative: my postoperative period; returning to routine, appearance and cares; continuing the treatment; preventing complications. All questions brought by women were relevant to the treatment, the surgery and hospitalization, and the nursing and other team's members of health care focused on the pacient and their needs, contributing to the quality of treatment.

Key words: Mastectomy; Perioperative care; Nursing care.