Application of an Integrated Medical-Nursing Fast-Track Surgery Program in Patients After Oral Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of an integrated medical-nursing fast-track surgery (FTS) program in patients undergoing oral cancer surgery. Methods: A total of 80 patients with oral cancer who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2024 to October 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40) using simple random sampling. The control group received conventional perioperative care, while the observation group was managed with the integrated medical-nursing FTS program. Postoperative recovery time, complication rate, flap survival rate, pain intensity, negative emotions, and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results: The time to drain removal, first oral intake, bed rest, infusion, and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The overall complication rate was lower (15.00% vs. 32.50%) and the flap survival rate was higher (98.75% vs. 90.00%) in the observation group (p < 0.05). At 7 days postoperatively, the VAS, SAS, and SDS scores were significantly lower in the observation group (p < 0.05). One month after surgery, the observation group had higher scores in most items of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 scale except for illness perception, social relations, and weight change (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The integrated medical-nursing FTS program effectively accelerates physical recovery, improves flap survival, reduces complication risks, and significantly ameliorates psychological status and long-term quality of life in patients after oral cancer surgery.