To summarize the clinical nursing experience of patients with thymic tumors and pleural metastasis who underwent pleural tumor resection combined with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC), so as to provide a reference for perioperative nursing of similar patients.

This study adopted a clinical retrospective study design and included 20 patients with thymic tumors complicated with pleural metastasis who received HITHOC at Shanghai Chest Hospital from January to May 2024. HITHOC was performed during or within 48 hours after pleural stripping surgery. Patients received comprehensive and targeted perioperative nursing care throughout the process, including preoperative assessment and preparation, intraoperative and postoperative precise monitoring, refined respiratory tract management, specialized intravenous hydration care, stepped pain care, personalized psychological support, etc., to ensure a smooth recovery.

None of the 20 patients experienced postoperative atelectasis, electrolyte imbalance, abnormal body temperature and respiratory function, or prolonged catheterization time directly related to nursing operations; 2 patients had postoperative air leakage, 1 patient had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and 1 patient developed a kidney injury a month after surgery, all of which improved after symptomatic treatment; all 20 patients were discharged smoothly after relief of clinical symptoms and meeting the discharge criteria with an average postoperative hospital stay of (9.3±3.2) days.

Clinical observation and targeted nursing care for patients with thymic tumor complicated with pleural metastasis undergoing HITHOC are crucial and directly related to the postoperative recovery process. Nursing staff must conscientiously implement the relevant specialized nursing practices during treatment to ensure that patients receive effective and comprehensive perioperative nursing support.