ASSESSMENT OF SELF-CARE PRACTICES AND COMPLICATIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH POST-OPERATIVE PCNL TUBE

Abstract

Introduction: PNL is a safe and well-tolerated procedure for staghorn and large-volume renal calculi, upper tract calculi, difficult lower pole stones, cystine nephrolithiasis, and anatomically abnormal kidneys. The study was conducted with the aim of exploring the self-care practices and complications associated with PCNL among post-operative patients.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, Pakistan, from October to December 2023. Data from 248 study participants was collected using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected through a valid and reliable self-designed questionnaire that addressed self-care practices and postoperative complication. The data analysis was performed using SPSS 22, and the study was approved by the ethical review committee.

Results: The total number of participants was 248, with females being the majority at 129 (52%). The majority of patients (78.6%) perform hand washing and they remove old bandages during dressing changes. On the other side, the majority do not use gloves or anti-septic solution. However, 27% use sterile gauze, 29.8% keep bags lower, only 36.3% clean the bag and tube for urine collection, and only 29.8% empty bags after 2-3 hours. Infected wounds (40.7%), fever (46.2%), and pain (59.2%) were the most common complaints reported by the majority of the patients.

Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of the post-PCNL patient practices of were poor, while a good number of patient practices were satisfactory. Most patients reported infected wounds, fever, and pain, while little number reveals oozing, tube obstruction, transient hematuria, and dislodgement. Continuous educational programmes should be planned and offered on a regular basis for patients with PCNL.