J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2026 Jun 24. doi: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000001343. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previous researchers have mainly examined the general recovery of patients with chronic venous disease after iliac vein stent placement for iliac vein compression syndrome. However, little is known about the specific challenges faced by patients who remain in an unresolved postoperative recovery phase after stenting.
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to explore the challenges faced by patients with chronic venous disease during unresolved postoperative recovery after iliac vein stenting.
METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 patients from a teaching hospital in Taiwan. Semistructured interviews were conducted between January 2024 and July 2025, and the data were analyzed using Colaizzi's 7-step method with NVivo-assisted coding.
RESULTS: Findings indicated that patients with iliac vein compression syndrome experienced a central phenomenon of internalized distress. Four major themes emerged: (1) severe physical discomfort and restricted mobility, reflecting persistent and unpredictable symptoms; (2) resigned endurance, with suppressed distress until nearing emotional breakdown; (3) feeling trapped and regretful, leading to delayed but urgent help-seeking; and (4) breaking free from constraints and regaining physical control, achieved through self-soothing and behavioral adjustments.
CONCLUSION: Patients with unresolved recovery from chronic venous disease after iliac vein stenting experience multidimensional distress that extends beyond physical symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of postoperative care that integrates continuous psychological support, culturally sensitive communication, and proactive follow-up. Developing personalized tools to assess well-being and guide tailored interventions may enhance recovery outcomes in this vulnerable population.
PMID:42335441 | DOI:10.1097/JCN.0000000000001343