Medical and psychological management of patients with a history of surgical treatment for pancreatic diseases

Abstract

Background. Pancreatic cancer, known for its high mortality rate and late diagnosis, remains a significant health concern. Surgery offers a potential therapeutic remedy, but it is only valid in the early stage of detection. Increasing risk factors and an aging population are expected to raise the incidence of pancreatic cancer, further challenging healthcare systems. Methods. The general objective of this study was to analyze doctors' experiences regarding the health status of patients with benign pancreatic pathology who underwent surgery and were admitted to CF2 Clinical Hospital in Bucharest. The research involved a specialized questionnaire addressing various aspects of patient health, including mobility, pain intensity, psycho-emotional state, and prognosis. The study also included a protocol evaluating patients based on criteria like symptomatology, treatment, and postoperative complications. Results. The findings show significant discrepancies between patients' perceptions and doctors' evaluations in quality-of-life domains, with some positive correlations. The statistical analysis, including reliability, alpha, mean, and standard deviation, underscores these differences. Respondents reported a relatively good perception of their overall health state, and a moderate perception of their level of social functioning. The correlation between patients' perceptions and medical evaluations of mental health was 0.423, indicating a moderate but not necessarily significant relationship. Conclusions. The study reveals that physicians recognize the multifaceted challenges faced by patients with surgically treated pancreatic diseases. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to patient care, addressing physical, emotional, and social aspects. The study also highlights the importance of early detection and the complexity of doctor-patient interactions in pancreatic cancer treatment.

Keywords

• pancreatic cancer
• surgery
• physician perceptions
• patient health status
• benign pancreatic pathology
• quality of life