Post-hepatomy follow-up: key steps and care guidelines

Introduction: Liver cancer is one of the malignant tumours with a high death rate worldwide. Surgery is one of the main ways to treat liver cancer, but post-operative follow-up is equally important, not only to help monitor changes in conditions, but also to detect and treat post-operative complications and relapses in a timely manner. This paper provides detailed information on the importance of post-hepatomy follow-up visits, key steps and care guidelines.First, after the critical post-operative follow-up, hepatopatectomy is followed by regular visits to monitor the situation. This is due to the high rate of re-emergence of liver cancer and the fact that post-operative follow-up helps to detect recurrences or transfers in a timely manner, so that appropriate treatment is taken. In addition, follow-up visits can assess the recovery of patients, adjust treatment programmes and improve the quality of life.II. Key steps in post-operative follow-up1. Periodic review: Following liver cancer ectomy, the patient is required to undergo periodic review, including video-testing and sero-tumour markers. An initial review is normally recommended for a period of 1-2 months after the operation, followed by a review every three months for a period of at least two years. 2. Visual screening: Common videotechnological examinations include ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc., which help to detect new tumours or signs of recurrence in the liver. Sero-tumour markers: Sero-tumour markers, such as the AFP, are important for monitoring the recurrence of liver cancer. 4. Liver function monitoring: periodic monitoring of liver function, including indicators such as Alt, AST, ALP, total cholesterone, to assess liver health. III. Guidelines for post-operative care1. Pain management: After the operation, the patient may suffer from oral pain and shall be given painkillers in accordance with medical instructions and shall observe pain relief. 2. Nutritional support: Patients need adequate nutrition to support physical recovery after surgery. It is recommended that high proteins, high vitamins, low lipids and digestive foods be ingestion and that diets be adapted to the conditions. 3. Prevention of infection: keeping the mouth clean and dry, changing dressings regularly and preventing infection. 4. Psychological support: After surgery, patients may experience psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and need psychological support and counselling. 5. Activity and exercise: Encourage early post-operative discharge activities to promote gastrointestinal rehabilitation and to prevent deep disempowerment of the lower limbs. IV. Identification and treatment of post-operative complications1. Hemorrhage: Post-operative haemorrhage is a common complication and requires close monitoring of the vital signs of the patient, such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc. 2. Infection: oral infection is a common problem after surgery and requires timely identification and treatment of antibiotics. 3. Incomplete liver function: Incomplete post-operative liver function requires close monitoring of liver function indicators and adaptation of treatment programmes as appropriate. Post-operative quality of life improvement1. Adjustment of living habits: It is recommended that patients stop smoking and alcohol, maintain healthy eating habits and avoid high fat and sugary foods. 2. Periodic medical check-ups: In addition to regular follow-up visits, patients should undergo regular whole-body check-ups to detect other health problems at an early stage. Psychological adjustment: To encourage the involvement of patients in social activities and to communicate with family and friends in order to reduce psychological stress. Concluding remarksFollow-up visits after hepatectomy are a long and complex process that requires the concerted efforts of patients, family members and medical teams. Regular follow-up and careful care can improve the quality and survival of patients and reduce the risk of relapse. Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor ‘ s follow-up programme, remain optimistic and seek early recovery. Liver cancer