This article summarizes the nursing experience of one patient with facial dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans who underwent free flap reconstruction. Key nursing measures included close monitoring and care of the free flap’s blood supply, development of an individualized nutrition plan, prevention of potential complications, and comprehensive perioperative psychological support based on the 5E care model. In addition, follow-up care was provided through an “Internet + continuous nursing” approach. After meticulous treatment and personalized nursing care, the patient was hospitalized for 10 days. The flap survived well with no complications such as vascular crisis, infection, or deep vein thrombosis. The patient was discharged with a nasogastric tube. Two months later, during follow-up, the nasogastric tube was removed, and the patient resumed normal oral intake with weight gain.
References
[1]
Reilly, D.J., Loo, Y.L., Alexander, W.M., Wilks, D.J., MacGregor, D. and Coombs, C.J. (2022) Diagnostic and Management Considerations in Pediatric Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 88, 319-322. https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0000000000002970
[2]
Fiore, M., Miceli, R., Mussi, C., Lo Vullo, S., Mariani, L., Lozza, L., et al. (2005) Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans Treated at a Single Institution: A Surgical Disease with a High Cure Rate. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23, 7669-7675. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2005.02.5122
[3]
Akhtar, A., Khan, A.H., Rashid, M., Eitezaz, F. and Ur Rashid, H. (2020) Resection and Reconstructive Options in the Management of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Head and Neck. Cureus, 12, 416-423. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.9423
[4]
Guo, J.P. and Wang, X. (2016) Repair of Defects after Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor Resection Using Free Flap Transplantation. The Practical Journal of Cancer, 31, 915-917. (In Chinese)
[5]
He, Y., Jiang, C.H., Hou, J.S., et al. (2020) Expert Consensus on Perforator Flap Reconstruction of Oral, Maxillofacial, and Head and Neck Defects. China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18, 385-389. (In Chinese)
[6]
Li, C.J., Bi, X.Q. and Zhu, G.Q. (2023) Prevention and Management of Complications in Free Flap Reconstruction for Oral and Maxillofacial Tumors. International Journal of Stomatolog, 50, 127-137. (In Chinese)
[7]
Pang, Y., Cao, B.W., Qian, Z., et al. (2025) Multidisciplinary Diagnosis, Medication, and Rehabilitation Intervention for Psychiatric and Psychological Disorders in Cancer Patients: Expert Consensus from Capital Medical University—Clinical Findings. Evaluation and Analysis of Drug-Use in Hospitals of China, 25, 769-778. (In Chinese)
[8]
Hopwood, P., Fletcher, I., Lee, A. and Al Ghazal, S. (2002) A Body Image Scale for Use with Cancer Patients. European Journal of Cancer, 37, 189-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0959-8049(00)00353-1
[9]
Tao, X.Y., Xue, M.Y., Mi, J.Y., et al. (2024) Analysis of Factors Related to Flap Necrosis after 1260 Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap Transplantations. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy, 42, 517-522. (In Chinese)
[10]
Zhou, Y., Chen, M. and Gao, G. (2024) Observation on the Effect of Flap Nursing after Oral Cancer Flap Transplantation. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine, 14, 95-97. (In Chinese)
[11]
Zhang, H.M., Liu, J.J., Liu, J., et al. (2022) Evidence-Based Practice of Nutritional Risk Management in Patients with Oral Cancer. Journal of Nursing Science, 37, 88-91. (In Chinese)
[12]
Chen, X.Y., Li, C.L., Qin, X.J., et al. (2023) Trajectory of Nutritional Status Changes and Influencing Factors in Patients with Oral Cancer. China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 21, 538-547. (In Chinese)
[13]
Chinese Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (2017) Guidelines for Nutritional Support in Cancer Patients. Chinese Journal of Surgery, 55, 801-829. (In Chinese)
[14]
Zhu, G.F., Chen, C.Y., Jin, L.M., et al. (2017) Perioperative Nursing Care of Elderly Patients Undergoing Oral and Maxillofacial Flap Reconstruction. Henan Medical Research, 26, 345-346. (In Chinese)
[15]
Zhang, L.P., Liu, Q.L. and Wang, Y.Y. (2022) Clinical Experience in Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Lower Limbs after Maxillofacial Tumor Resection with Simultaneous Flap Reconstruction. Lingnan Modern Clinics in Surgery, 22, 404-407. (In Chinese)
[16]
Li, X.Q., Zhang, F.X. and Wang, S.M. (2017) Guidelines for The Diagnosis and Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (3rd Edition). Chinese Journal of Vascular Surgery (Electronic Version), 9, 250-257. (In Chinese)
[17]
Zheng, J., Yan, Z.F., Liu, G., et al. (2024) Clinical Observation of Vacuum Sealing Drainage Combined with Mepilex Dressing in the Treatment of Pressure Ulcers. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine, 33, 31-34. (In Chinese)
[18]
Yuan, M.J., Li, L., Lai, L., et al. (2021) Research Progress on the Application of the 5E Rehabilitation Model in The Rehabilitation of Patients with Chronic Diseases. Chinese Nursing Research, 35, 4038-4042. (In Chinese)
[19]
Xu, P., Yan, R., Zhang, M.M., et al. (2025) Latent Profile Analysis of Body Image in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer and Its Influencing Factors. Chinese Journal of Nursing, 60, 215-222. (In Chinese)
[20]
Ma, L.L., Pang, J. and Li, Q. (2025) Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Active Cycle of Breathing Technique Training in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy. Chinese Journal of Health Care and Medicine, 27, 786-790. (In Chinese)
[21]
Li, Y.F., Liang, Y.J., Wu, M., et al. (2023) Application Progress of Mobile Health in Transitional Rehabilitation Nursing for Patients with Oral Cancer. Chinese Nursing Research, 37, 1961-1965. (In Chinese)
