Background: Patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may have extensive and complicated nursing needs with risk of complications. However, there is no research on the postoperative care at the surgical ward. Aim: The purpose was to describe, from the nurse's perspective, which nursing needs patients who had undergone CRS with HIPEC expressed and whether they received the nursing care they needed. Method: A descriptive qualitative interview study with semi-structured interviews with nurses (n = 12) was conducted on two surgical wards. Data was analyzed with a qualitative content analysis. Result: The analysis resulted in three categories: Physical nursing needs - complex to remedy and common with setbacks, To get the care adapted to individual needs and Psychosocial nursing needs are not met. The result showed that the most distinctive nursing needs in the patients were nausea, pain/anxiety and mobilization. During the care period, it was important that the nurse was responsive and that a good relationship between the healthcare staff and the patient was developed. The nurses described that patients had a need for more information and mental support. Conclusion: The results show that patients undergoing CRS with HIPEC have many nursing problems and the nursing care needs to be improved in several areas. A more structured and person-centered nursing could meet several nursing needs. This complex patient group should be cared for by nurses with professional experience and higher education, eg specialist nurses (surgical care). Further research should be conducted with patients who have undergone CRS with HIPEC as informants.

ABSTRACT Background: Patients that have undergone cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are a patient group with many complex nursing care needs, the recovery process is often long and challenging. However, there is no research on the patients experiences of the recovery on the ward. Aim: The aim was to describe how patients that have undergone CRS with or without HIPEC experiences the postoperative recovery at the ward, and if the nursing care they receive matches their individual needs. Method: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven patients on one gynecological- and one surgical ward. Data was analysed with qualitative content analysis. Result: Two categories were identified: A time filled with physical challenges but gradually returning to normal and A roller coaster of thoughts and emotions. The result showed both physical and mental challenges during the recovery process on the ward. The patients described nausea, tiredness and initially difficulties with mobilisation. They also shared feelings of concern, frustration and missing their relatives. The nursing staff had an important role in creating a safe environment during the treatment period by showing support, providing information and offering conversations. Conclusion: The result of the study shows that patients who have undergone CRS with or without HIPEC experiences both physical and mental challenges during the recovery process on the ward. Through support, information and conversations the nursing staff can meet the patient’s individual needs and in that way, optimize the recovery. By ensuring a high level of competence among the nursing staff, the safety of the patients can be guaranteed and good nursing can be carried out.