[Functional role of nursing teams in comprehensive perioperative management of gastrointestinal tumors].

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors represent a major health burden with high incidence and mortality rates both in China and globally. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of curative treatment. However, as the majority of patients are elderly with significant comorbidities and psychological distress, they are susceptible to perioperative complications and delayed functional recovery, which severely compromise prognostic outcomes. Driven by advancements in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration, and standardized clinical pathways, the role of perioperative nursing has evolved from traditional ancillary support to a central position in managing the entire care continuum and coordinating key interventions. This article systematically examines the evolving role of the nursing team in the perioperative management of GI cancer. Furthermore, it explores future directions for the nursing discipline within the current medical landscape, aiming to provide references for optimizing care pathways, improving ERAS compliance, and fostering specialized nursing expertise.