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Do critical care units play a role in the management of gynaecological oncology patients? The contribution of gynaecologic oncologist in running critical care units
Author(s) -
DavidovicGrigoraki Miona,
Thomakos Nikolaos,
Haidopoulos Dimitrios,
Vlahos Giorgos,
Rodolakis Alexandros
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12438
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care unit , gynaecological cancer , intensive care medicine , gynecologic oncology , resuscitation , cancer , emergency medicine , general surgery
Routine post‐operative care in high dependency unit ( HDU ), surgical intensive care unit ( SICU ) and intensive care unit ( ICU ) after high‐risk gynaecological oncology surgical procedures may allow for greater recognition and correct management of post‐operative complications, thereby reducing long‐term morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, unnecessary admissions to these units lead to increased morbidity – nosocomial infections, increased length of hospital stay and higher hospital costs. Gynaecological oncology surgeons continue to look after their patient in the HDU / SICU and have the final role in decision‐making on day‐to‐day basis, making it important to be well versed in critical care management and ensure the best care for their patients. Post‐operative monitoring and the presence of comorbid illnesses are the most common reasons for admission to the HDU / SICU . Elderly and malnutritioned patients, as well as, bowel resection, blood loss or greater fluid resuscitation during the surgery have prolonged HDU / SICU stay. Patients with ovarian cancer have a worse survival outcome than the patients with other types of gynaecological cancer. Dependency care is a part of surgical management and it should be incorporated formally into gynaecologic oncology training programme.