Patients with malignant neoplasms require specialized rehabilitation care, especially after completion of radical cancer treatment, as significant negative consequences are associated with such therapy.
In the Republic of Belarus, rehabilitation programs have been successfully implemented for patients who have undergone surgical, combined, or comprehensive treatment of:
- breast cancer;
- cancer of the female reproductive system;
- thyroid and parathyroid gland cancer;
- malignant tumors of gastrointestinal tract (including gastrectomy, subtotal gastric resection, pancreaticoduodenal resection, small intestine resection, and liver resection).
Early rehabilitation stage
Rehabilitation at the early recovery stage involves the selection and implementation of a set of therapeutic and recovery measures to achieve the most favorable treatment outcomes and rapidly restore the patient’s normal functioning. The main measures at this stage are aimed at the prevention and treatment of general and local post-operative complications, side effects of chemotherapy and early radiant reactions.
Rehabilitation of patients with long-term post-operative complications
Rehabilitation also includes a complex of therapeutic and restorative measures for patients with long-term post-operative complications, including:
- after breast surgery complicated by the development of secondary upper limb lymphedema, post-radiation pneumonitis, shoulder joint arthrosis, plexopathy, and contractures;
- after pelvic surgeries complicated by the development of post-castration syndrome or secondary lower limb lymphedema;
- after small intestine surgeries complicated by the development of malabsorption syndrome;
- after gastric surgeries complicated in the post-operative period by dumping-syndrome, small stomach syndrome, agastric asthenia or postgastrectomy anemia developed.
A full range of medical rehabilitation methods is delivered to support patient recovery.
Rehabilitation of patients after stomach and pancreatic surgery
Patients who have undergone surgery on the stomach and pancreas receive recommendations regarding dietary regimen and food intake, enteral and parenteral nutrition, and attend educational sessions at the “School for Patients after Stomach and Pancreatic Surgery”.
Rehabilitation of patients after thyroid and parathyroid gland surgery
Rehabilitation of patients who have undergone thyroid and parathyroid gland surgery require special attention. The main goal of rehabilitation measures in this type of pathology is to correct conditions developed within the early or in the long-term postoperative period.
At the initial stage, hormone therapy is selected, taking into consideration histological type of the disease, concomitant pathology, and the age of patient. At later stages, recommendations are provided regarding the frequency of hormone status monitoring, which is subsequently carried out on an outpatient basis.
If necessary, complications caused by decreased calcium levels in the postoperative period are corrected, including adjustment of dosages of calcium preparations, vitamin D, and its active metabolites. In cases of traumatic injury to branches of the facial and trigeminal nerves, pharmacological treatment is prescribed; in cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis, therapy is combined with a specialized phoniatric rehabilitation program (laryngeal irrigation with oil-based solutions and phoniatric exercises).
Physiotherapy procedures are widely used and highly effective rehabilitation methods. Their application helps accelerate wound healing and correct dysphonia and neuropathies that may develop after surgery.
A specially developed program, the “School for Patients with Thyroid Diseases,” provides education on medication adherence, dietary therapy, and behavioral guidelines that should be followed during the postoperative period.
Psychotherapeutic support
Psychotherapeutic support is an essential component of an individual rehabilitation program. A psychotherapist and psychologist help patients better understand themselves, restore emotional balance, address accumulated problems, and regain joy in life.
The psychotherapeutic counseling room applies the most modern treatment methods. The selection and prescription of medications are carried out strictly taking into account the specific course of the disease, which minimizes the risk of side effects. In addition to pharmacological therapy, treatment includes training in relaxation techniques using music therapy and aromatherapy, as well as the creation of a calm and comfortable environment. This approach helps patients restore emotional balance, achieve inner harmony, and find solutions to many life challenges.
Why undergo rehabilitation in Belarus?
Rehabilitation centers in Belarus offer individualized recovery programs for patients after oncological diseases, applying modern medical methods, physiotherapy, psychological support, and dietary counseling.
