Nursing care of patients undergoing isolated limb procedures for recurrent melanoma of the extremity.

Isolated limb perfusion and isolated limb infusion are surgical interventions that provide high-dose regional chemotherapy to patients experiencing a recurrence of melanoma in an extremity. Nurses may be unfamiliar with these treatment options, as they are not available in all hospitals; however, the number of people diagnosed with melanoma is increasing. It is important for nurses to understand these surgical procedures to provide safe high-quality care before and after the surgery. Currently, there are several gaps in our knowledge about patients' experiences or nurse-sensitive outcomes. There are abundant opportunities for nurses to improve the care of patients who undergo surgical interventions to manage melanoma in the extremity.

Duke Scholars

Author Kathleen Ashton School of Nursing