Robert Andtbacka on Wound Care and Handling Drains After Melanoma Surgery
Dr. Robert Andtbacka explains the important role the nurse plays before and after surgery for melanoma.
Robert Andtbacka, MD, CM, of Huntsman Cancer Institute, explains the importance of nurses in the pre- and postsurgical setting for patients with melanoma.
Pre-surgery, nurses can help to ease a patient’s anxiety, as well as gauge their understanding of the disease and process. After the surgery has been completed, nurses are vital in managing any complications and difficulties. Nurses are also instrumental in the patient education for wound care and drain handling. At Huntsman, the nurses have a model drain so patients can learn the practical aspects to handling the drain. Additionally, nurses can help with a patient’s anticipation of postsurgical pain.
