Introduction

摘要

As I began to write this piece about the work being done in surgical oncology nursing, I reflected on the parallel that the overarching theme of the book "From Invisible to Invincible," written by David T. Fagan, depicts for today's surgical oncology patients. Consequently, in this issue of Seminars in Oncology Nursing you will find the unwavering contributions of oncology nurses, once hidden and now uncovered, through the promotion of high technology combined with high touch with highly complex patients transcending the complicated surgical continuum of care, from the pre-surgical environment followed by the actual surgery and then transitioning back to home for recovery. Surgical oncology nursing has evolved to provide high-quality and life-extending patient-family outcomes as partners in an evidenced-based multidisciplinary team environment leveraging their own comprehensive yet specialized knowledge and skill. Because perioperative oncology nursing encompasses a wide range of pathologic entities with a variety of surgical strategies from diagnosis to prevention to cure and palliation in diverse health care settings; I have attempted to cover topics common to many patients and their family members, with the goal to update knowledge on the latest developments within the profession. The authors in this issue provide diversity in both geographical location and professional surgical expertise. Consequently, this issue of Seminars in Oncology Nursing begins with an article by nurse historians Crane and Selanders reflecting both on our history and future as surgical oncology nurses. Sipples and colleagues review innovative perioperative care considerations via palliative care, while Sun and Fong review the new technologies using minimally invasive surgical procedures. Collazo and Graf take on a considerable challenge in the review and provision of a system-based approach to improve post-surgical outcomes of a highly complex patient population, individuals with esophageal cancer. In addition, critical symptom self-management knowledge to enhance recovery of surgical oncology patients is reviewed by Odom-Forren and Wesmiller. Another important area of promoting a successful recovery from surgery is nutrition, reviewed by a team led by a registered dietician, DeNysschen. Similarly, Ercolano reviews psychosocial concerns facing the oncology patient when recovering from surgery.