Factors predicting sexual functioning in patients 3 months after surgical procedures for breast cancer: the role of the Sense of Coherence.

UNLABELLED: Women with breast cancer may have significant problems adjusting to the disease and therapy, due to the significant changes in body image and sexuality associated. The aim of this study was to 1) assess sexual functioning 3 months after surgical procedures for breast cancer, and 2) prospectively investigate the usefulness of a Sense of Coherence (SOC) and beauty treatment as predictors of sexual functioning. METHODS: One hundred women with breast cancer were randomly assigned to a group receiving beauty treatments during hospitalization or a control group. SOC subscales were assessed the day before surgery. Psychological distress and body image were assessed on day 6 after surgery and sexual functioning was assessed at three months. RESULTS: Patients with breast cancer seem to experience significant issues in sexual functioning 3 months after surgery. Half of them declared no sexual activity and 42% had no interest for sex. In terms of Sense of Coherence, only the perception that resources were available to face the disease (i.e. manageability) had a positive influence on sexual functioning. Beauty treatment was also associated, but the most statistically significant predictor of sexual functioning was a younger age. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that coping resources, and especially the perception that resources are available to face disease-related disturbances (i.e. manageability), have a positive influence on sexual functioning. Interventions aimed at improving patient perception of available resources might be useful to improve sexual functioning among patients with breast cancer.

The effects of hypnosis on anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleepiness in people undergoing hemodialysis: a clinical report.

This study investigated the effect of hypnosis on anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleepiness in hemodialysis patients. Twenty-nine patients participated in the 15-day study. A single hypnosis session was performed on Day 8. Anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleepiness were measured at baseline, on Day 8, and on Day 15 (HADS, MFI, ESS). Daily fatigue was also measured numerically. Anxiety, depression, and sleepiness significantly decreased after hypnosis. Weekly measures of fatigue remained stable; however, daily fatigue decreased.

Massive systemic air embolism during percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of a primary lung tumor.

We report the case of a systemic air embolism occurring during pulmonary radiofrequency ablation. At the end of the procedure, the patient experienced a sudden myocardial infarction, complicated by ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, and cerebral infarction. Thoracic computed tomography showed an air-blood level inside the left atrium and ventricle, the aortic arch, and the coronary arteries. Cerebral computed tomography showed an infarct in the frontoparietal area. Myocardial infarction and stroke responded to resuscitation measures, including hyperbaric oxygenation. The occurrence of this life-threatening event confirms the need to train experienced anesthesiologists in these new invasive approaches to cancer treatment.

Assessing the effect of beauty treatments on psychological distress, body image, and coping: a longitudinal study of patients undergoing surgical procedures for breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Women with breast cancer may have significant problems adjusting to disease and therapy due to their association with significant changes in body image and sexuality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of beauty treatments in combination with routine cancer care. METHODS: One hundred women with breast cancer were randomly assigned to a group receiving beauty treatments during hospitalization or a control group. Psychological distress, body image and coping were assessed twice during the hospitalization period: the day before surgery (baseline) and 6 days later (Time 1). A follow-up assessment was performed three months later (Time 2). RESULTS: Three months after surgery, patients who had received beauty treatments reported higher body-image scores than the control group, but there was no effect in psychological distress. Helplessness/hopelessness increased over time in the control group but not in the group receiving beauty treatments. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study provides evidence of the usefulness of beauty treatments for breast-cancer patients, in combination with routine care. Although these treatments did not seem to alleviate psychological distress directly, they had a beneficial impact on body image and may strengthen patients' social support and self-esteem.

[Postmastectomy pain syndrome evidence based guidelines and decision trees]. / Prise en charge du syndrome douloureux post-mastectomie: revue de la littérature pour des recommandations de bonnes pratiques evidence based et proposition d'arbres de décision.

A multidisciplinary expert group had reviewed all scientific data available of post mastectomy pain syndrome. Seventy six publications were retained and thirty evidence based diagnosis, treatment and follow-up recommendations are listed. Few of theses recommendations are classed level A. Datas analysis make possible to propose a strategy based on systematic association of drugs, kinesitherapy and psychological support. Evaluation and closer follow-up are necessary. Several decisional trees are proposed.

[Patients' information in percutaneous core breast biopsy]. / Le don d'information dans les prélèvements percutanés mammaires: savoir le dire, savoir le faire.

Information takes a large part of patient's perceptions of the procedure. If the information is adapted, patients tolerate the procedure well. We point out indications and explain the different types of procedure. For infraclinical masses, sonographically guided automated core needle biopsy removes samples. Sonographically guided vacuum-assisted large-core biopsy is only used for diagnosis generally on second purpose for masses. Stereotaxic vacuum-assisted large-core biopsy is used for microcalcifications (needle 8 or 11 gauge). Haematoma and bleeding are rare (< 4%), but care is necessary to avoid complications. Information is executed before the procedure and a booklet is giving to the women. This information has to be adapted because lot of informations could increase patient's anxiety if they don't want more informations and "not enough information" could also increase anxiety if they want more informations. The practitioner, by hearing, his formation and his experience, is able to adapt informations.