Intervenciones de enfermería en pacientes con cáncer de pancreas

Abstract

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a worldwide problem; it is considered one of the most aggressive solid tumors. In most cases, it is diagnosed at a very advanced stage in both men and women aged 50 to 70 years; the onset of this disease is multifactorial. Objective: To review the existing literature on nursing interventions in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methodology: A literature review study was carried out in databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, La Referencia, Redalyc, and SciELO, as well as official websites such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The fifty articles selected —published in the last five years— met the final inclusion criteria. Results: The prevalence in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean was high at 57%. On the other hand, in Mexico, its rate was low at 2-4.9%. Exogenous factors were smoking, alcoholism, and bad eating habits, and cancerous family history was an endogenous factor. Regarding the therapeutic approach, there is surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, where its main post-surgical complication is a pancreatic fistula. Finally, in nursing interventions, the primary care is pain management and emotional support. Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer is one of the malignant pathologies with a lethal prognosis for patient survival. Despite offering treatment with curative intent and nursing care, survival in these patients is meager. Keywords: Pancreatic cancer, Prevalence, Factors, Complications, Approach, Interventions.