A System-Based Nursing Approach to Improve Outcomes in the Postoperative Esophagectomy Patient.

OBJECTIVE: To review essential nursing implications in the care of postoperative esophagectomy patients. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed literature, institutional experience, journal articles. CONCLUSION: Utilizing a system-based approach to assess the post-esophagectomy patient will assist the nurse in ensuring safe and comprehensive care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nursing care measures to reduce perioperative esophagectomy morbidity includes aggressive fluid management, pain management, use of epidural analgesia, and early ambulation. Therefore, nurses play a significant role in improving the outcomes for the esophagectomy patient.