The Role of Nurse-Surgeons in Advancing Global Surgical Care: Challenges and Contributions in Care after Open Heart Operations with a Focus on Biochemical

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) surgeries are complex procedures that require the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams, including nurse-surgeons, to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Postoperative care, particularly in the realm of wound healing and infection control, plays a pivotal role in the recovery process following open heart surgery. Nursing interventions, which include aseptic techniques, wound care, and patient education, are integral to minimizing postoperative complications such as surgical site infections (SSIs) and promoting effective healing. Aim: This study explores the impact of nurse-surgeons' interventions in the postoperative care of CHD patients, focusing on the efficacy of nursing practices in improving wound healing outcomes and preventing SSIs after open heart surgeries. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent CHD surgeries. Two groups were analyzed: an intervention group, where enhanced nursing interventions were applied, and a control group, where standard postoperative care was provided. Key nursing interventions included the application of aseptic techniques, meticulous wound monitoring, and patient education on post-discharge care. The efficacy of these interventions was evaluated by comparing wound healing outcomes across the two groups, using a standardized grading system for wound recovery. Results: The study found significant differences between the groups. The intervention group showed a higher incidence of Grade A wound healing, indicating optimal recovery without complications, at 73.3%, compared to 30% in the control group (p < 0.01). The incidence of Grade B complications (seroma or hematoma without suppuration) was also lower in the intervention group (26.7%) compared to the control group (58.3%) (p < 0.01). Notably, the control group had a 11.7% incidence of Grade C wound healing (requiring drainage), while no cases were observed in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results highlight the critical role of nurse-surgeons in advancing surgical care, particularly in the postoperative management of patients undergoing open heart surgery. The enhanced nursing interventions were associated with better wound healing outcomes, fewer complications, and a more rapid recovery process. These findings underscore the importance of rigorous nursing protocols and patient education in improving postoperative recovery, emphasizing the need for standardized care approaches to optimize patient outcomes in global surgical settings.