Abstract
Computer tomography (CT) guided ablations of liver tumors using microwaves is a relatively new type of treatment. Studies examining treatment results and complications have been made but how the patients undergoing the treatment experience the care process has not yet been described closely. The aim of this study was thus to describe the experiences of patients undergoing CT-guided ablations of liver tumors using microwaves, focusing on identifying suffering during the time of care. A qualitative method was chosen, with a somewhat deductive approach. Eight semi-structured interviews were held and the data was analyzed using direct content analysis. For deductive application of categories, terms from Katie Erikssons theory on suffering were used. Both experienced actual suffering as well as potential suffering prevented or lessened was identified to present positive as well as negative experiences. The result was identification of suffering of illness such as pain, weariness, mictional dysfunction, breathing difficulties and anxiety directed towards a variety of aspects concerning situation and care; suffering of care such as lack of information, powerlessness, guilt and the feeling of being exposed; suffering of life such as regret and the feeling of mortal threat. Findings also include the opposite of many of the sufferings mentioned above, for example feeling of ease, thankfulness, hope and relieved pain. The conclusion was that the result largely confirms previous findings concerning complications from this kind of surgery as well as patient's experiences of cancer and going through surgery. The respondents' overall experience of the healthcare was found to be positive.