Effectiveness of Nursing Care Intervention Among Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of nursing interventions on various outcomes, including mortality, postoperative complications, quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression and pain in HCC patients undergoing surgery.

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent liver malignancy often requiring surgical intervention. Postoperative outcomes in HCC patients are heavily influenced by perioperative management, with nursing interventions playing a critical role in improving recovery, minimizing complications and enhancing QoL.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

REVIEW

METHODS

This review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, evaluating studies on nursing interventions in surgical HCC patients. Databases were searched for studies reporting clinical and psychological outcomes, with eligible studies pooled using random-effects models. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were performed to ensure robustness.

RESULT: Twenty-seven studies were analysed. Nursing interventions significantly reduced postoperative complications (OR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.17-0.31) and shortened hospital stay (WMD -5.92 days; 95% CI: -7.76 to -4.08). Additionally, significant improvements were observed in QoL (SMD 2.00; 95% CI: 0.74-3.27), anxiety (SMD -3.42; 95% CI: -5.95 to -0.89) and depression (SMD -3.70; 95% CI: -6.52 to -0.88). Pain levels were significantly reduced (WMD -2.02; 95% CI: -3.03 to -1.02), while nursing satisfaction was enhanced (OR 4.80; 95% CI: 2.42-9.51). Mortality did not show significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSION

Nursing interventions significantly enhance postoperative outcomes in HCC patients by reducing complications, improving QoL and alleviating psychological distress. These findings support integrating comprehensive nursing protocols into postoperative HCC care, emphasizing both physical and mental health.