B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital

Background: Cancer is a significant public health problem worldwide. Hematological cancers are the most common cancers, which rank 1st among childhood cancers worldwide. Hematologic cancer patients with compromised immune systems are already susceptible to infections. Infection is one of the leading causes of death in patients with hematologic cancers. The objective of the study was to assess caregivers' knowledge of infection prevention for children with hematological cancer attending the Tertiary Cancer Hospital of Nepal.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 caregivers selected through purposive sampling. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data, and it was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics.Result: The mean age and SD of 32.53±11.179. More than half (53.3%) of respondents were female, with the majority being parents (73.3%). This study also revealed that more than three-fifths (73.3% had a good level of knowledge, one-fourth 15(25%) had a moderate level of knowledge, and only 1.7% had a low level of knowledge regarding infection prevention in children with hematological cancer. A statistically significant association was found between the caregiver’s relationship to the child and their level of knowledge (p-value = 0.013). Conclusion: This study concludes that, though the majority of the respondents had good and moderate levels of knowledge regarding infection prevention in children with hematological cancer, gaps were noted in certain areas, particularly regarding the risks of raw or undercooked food during neutropenia and the placement of plants in children’s rooms. Therefore, continuous education for caregivers is essential to address these gaps and safeguard the health of vulnerable children.

On 2nd January 2026 the Editorial Board of Nepalese Medical Journal agreed to retract the article ‘Importance of Toilet in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Center' published in Nepalese Medical Journal, Vol.7(1) pages 718-719 (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/nmj.v7i1.82132). It was found to have already been published in the Nepalese Journal of Cancer, Vol.9(2) September 2025 pages 33-35, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/njc.v9i2.84906.

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal, with increasing demand for palliative care services. This study aimed to describe the demographic characteristics, symptom burden, and clinical outcomes of cancer patients admitted to a tertiary cancer center in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted for all cancer patients admitted to the PCU of B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, from July 16, 2024, to July 16, 2025; following ethical approval. Data on demographics, diagnosis, symptoms, length of stay (LOS), and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 170 patients were included, with a median age of 45 years, 59.4% females and highest numbers from Chitwan and Lumbini Province. Lung cancer (11.8%), sarcoma (11.2%), and cervical cancer (10.6%) were the most common diagnoses. Pain was nearly universal (98.8%) with median LOS was 6 days. Clinical outcomes included discharge (49.4%), death (26.5%), discharge on patient request (21.2%), and transfer for active treatment (2.9%). Conclusion: The findings highlight a relatively young median age (45 years), a predominance of female patients, geographic clustering of admissions, lung cancer as leading diagnoses, high levels of symptom burden—especially pain—and mixed outcomes - nearly half discharged and one-fourth dying in the unit; with median LOS of 6 days; underscoring the importance of strengthening palliative care services in Nepal.

Background: A chest tube insertion is a common procedure in which chest tube is inserted through the side of the chest into the pleural space in order to drain the pleural cavity of air, blood, pus or lymph. Nurses’ having sufficient knowledge and experience contributes to the acceleration of the recovery process of the patients and the reduction of potentially fatal complications. This study focuses to assess nurses’ knowledge regarding care of patients undergoing chest tube and to find some relevant associations. Methodology: A descriptive analytical study was carried out among 88 nurses selected using convenience sampling technique who were working in Intensive Care Units, Surgical and Operational Departments of B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital. The data were collected by using Self-administered questionnaire. Statistical evaluation was calculated using IBM SPSS v20 program. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, etc.) and inferential statistics (chi square test) were calculated in theevaluation of the data. Results: Findings of the present study showed that more than half (56.8%) nurses had moderate knowledge regarding management of patients with chest tube. While 40.9% and 2.3% nurses had good and poor knowledge, respectively. There was no significant association between level of knowledge regarding chest tube management and selected socio-demographic variables such as age(p=0.195), education(p=0.323), job experience(p=0.487), guidelines (p= 0.316). Many nurses (40%) relied on peer discussions as their source of knowledge which reveals a gap, as informal sharing cannot substitute structured, evidence-based training programs. Formal training regarding chest tube management was not received by any participants. Only 27.3% participants had read the necessary guidelines. Conclusion: The majority of the studied nurses had moderate knowledge regarding management of patient with chest tube without getting sufficient training opportunity. Nurses’ knowledge was mostly based on unreliable sources rather than evidence-based guidelines or sources.

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) in oncology nursing is a clinical decision-making approach in nursing care that improves quality care and outcomes in health care but is not yet standard in clinical settings. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine EBP knowledge, attitude and practice of oncology nurses. Methods: Cross sectional study used the self-administered Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) developed by Upton and Upton in the United Kingdom. Simple random sampling technique was used toselect the sample. The sample size was 139 nurses working in tertiary level cancer hospital Chitwan. Results: Out of 139 respondents, all of them were female. Mean age of the respondents was 31.9712 sd±7.30390 where minimum age found to be 20 years and maximum was 55 years. In regards to marital status 74.1% of the respondents were married, remaining 24.9% were unmarried. In terms of education more than half (56.8%) of respondents had Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS) degree, 24.5% had Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, 11.5% had proficiency certificate level degree and remaining 7.2% had master degree. The mean year of experience was = 8 years sd±6.77809 with minimum 6 month, Maximum=28 years. In terms of designation, most of the respondents (76.3%) were working in staff nurse post. In three sub scale of evidence based practice, Good level of knowledge 41.7%, positive attitude 40.3%and good practice 41.7% was found to be on less than fifty percent of the respondents. Poor level of knowledge, negative attitude and poor practice was found among 34.5%, 30.9% and 34.5% respectively. Fair level of knowledge, neutral attitude and fair practice was reported by 23.5%, 28.8% %23.7% respectively. Findings shows that knowledge, attitude and practice is significantly associated with level of education of the respondents (p=.000) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings further shows there exist significant correlation between knowledge attitude and practice among respondents on evidence based nursing practice. Respondents’ practice has significantly positive correlation with attitude (r=.774 & p=.000). Similarly knowledge of the respondents positively correlated with practice significantly ( r=.765 & p=.000). So like attitude of the respondents is positively correlated with knowledge at statistically significant level. ( r=.891 and p= .000). There is a weak correlation of work experience with, attitude and practice where, r=.219 p=.009, r=176 p=.039 respectively. Knowledge was not correlated with year of experience. Conclusion: Research findings reported the strong correlation between knowledge attitude and practice, acknowledged a lack of full preparation in the EBP process to engage in and implement EBP consistently. Nurses working in the oncology setting should be provided the mentorship and support to obtain continuing education for better implementation of evidence based practice in their working institutions.

Background: Thoracic malignancies constitute 15% of Nepal’s cancer burden, with lung cancer being the leading malignancy. This study aims at evolution of thoracic oncosurgery services at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) - Nepal’s premier tertiary cancer hospital during a period of 18 years (2007- 2025) to highlight procedural innovations, survival trends and resource-adapted strategies. Methods: a retrospective analysis of 8683 surgical procedures stratified into: Foundation (2007-2010; open surgery), Expansion (2011-2015; Minimally Invasive transition), and Modernization (2016-2025, June; precision surgery). Data sources included hospital records, surgical database, and institutional publications. Results: major surgeries increased 9-fold (106 in 2007 to 951 in 2024). Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) biopsies achieved 98% diagnostic yield. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIS esophagectomy) rose from 0% to 80% (p <0.001) with 5-OS improvement from 17% to 27% (p=0.003). Pioneering milestones included Nepal’s first minimally invasive esophagectomy (2009), VATS Thymectomy (2011), Subxiphoid Uniportal Non-intubated Thymectomy (2025) and VATS non-intubated S9 sub lobar pulmonary resection (2025). Conclusion: BPKMCH has become Nepal’s thoracic surgery referral hub through phased innovation. Future priorities include expansion of non-intubated thoracic surgeries and robotic surgeries.

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. It is the second leading cancer in Nepali women. The objective of this study is to find out the awareness regarding cervical cancer among reproductive aged women of Sudurpaschim Province in Nepal. Methods: A cross sectional study was used among 100 reproductive aged women by using non-probability purposive sampling technique with semi-structured interview schedule. The data were analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 22 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Out of 100 reproductive aged women 34% were belonged to the age group of 25-34 with means (30.35±9.324), minimum age was 15 and maximum age was 49 years. As well as educational status 39% had basic education and 11 % had no informal education. Similarly, all the reproductive aged women followed Hindu religion. Likewise, 83% reproductive aged women were married and 17% were unmarried. Regarding awareness of cervical cancer 69 % reproductive aged women had moderate, 24% had high and only 7% had low. Level of awareness regarding cervical cancer is statistically significant with the age of reproductive aged women (p=0.021), Ethnicity (p=0.05) and age of marriage (p=0.012). Conclusion: The finding of the study concluded that awareness regarding cervical cancer among reproductive aged women is moderate and most of the reproductive aged women were unaware about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening so cervical cancer screening awareness and education programs are needed to prevent cervical cancer.

ABSTRACTObjectivePotentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) and Drug–Drug Interactions (DDIs) among geriatrics are a prominent issue and place a considerable burden on the quality health outcome. This study aimed to assess PIMs and DDIs particularly among geriatric cardiac elderly patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital of Nepal.MethodologyA prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted on geriatrics patients (≥ 65 years) attending the cardiology out‐patient department of Bharatpur Central Hospital, Nepal. Beers criteria were used to assess PIM, and Medscape software was employed to assess DDIs. Regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of PIM and DDIs experienced by patients.ResultsA total of 140 geriatric patients were enrolled in the study. A total of 683 drugs were prescribed to them, with an average of 4.59 medications per patient. 23.6% and 65% of patients were found to be prescribed PIMs and encountered DDIs, respectively. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) (66.67%) were the most prescribed PIMs and involved in identified DDIs. The removal of PIMs was calculated to reduce 11.72% of the cost of patients prescribed PIMs and 19.88% of identified DDIs. The number of medications prescribed was found to be a significant predictor for PIM (Odd Ratio: 1.352) and DDIs (Odd Ratio: 2.217) encountered.ConclusionThis study highlights the concerning prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication and drug–drug interactions among ambulatory cardiac elderly patients. Integration of regular medication audits and evidence‐based prescribing practices is essential to optimize pharmacological management and enhance patient safety.

Background Hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy surgery has a variable incidence. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence and the risk factors of hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy surgery.MethodsThis analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among euthyroid patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy between August 2024 and April 2025 for benign disease in College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal. The prevalence of hypothyroidism (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels > 4.5 micro-IU/L) was analyzed. Factors like preoperative TSH level and gender associations were evaluated for the development hypothyroidism postoperatively. Data was analyzed using Students t test. p-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThis study was conducted among 122 patients. All patients were euthyroid preoperatively. They underwent hemithyroidectomy surgery for benign thyroid swelling. The prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Hemi- thyroidectomy cases was 16.39%. Out of which 8 patients (6.55%) developed overt hypothyroidism and 12 patients (9.83%) developed subclinical hypothyroidism. Majority of patients who developed postoperative hypothyroidism were female (90%).Conclusions About one fifth of euthyroid patients who undergo hemithyroidectomy developed hypothyroidism. Majority of postoperative hypothyroid patients were of female gender and with preoperative TSH level more than 2 micro-IU/L. It is concluded that, postoperative hypothyroidism should be considered in female patients with baseline TSH level more than 2 micro-IU/L.

Background Vitamin D deficiency is a common disorder prevalent among both developed and developing countries. Irritable Bowel Syndrome has been linked to many diseases and conditions. Very few studies of vitamin D deficiency status have been done in Nepalese population. This study aims to find out the prevalence of low levels of Vitamin D in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome attending the outpatient department of a tertiary center.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome attending the outpatient department of Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal between 15, June 2024 to 20, august 2024. Ethical approval was taken from Bharatpur Hospital (Ref: 081/82-045). Sample size is 71. Data collection tools for self-administered questionnaire, the collected data was entered and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.ResultsOut of a total of 71 patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the prevalence of low levels of vitamin D insufficiency was seen in 36 (50.7%) and deficiency was seen in 35 (49.3%). Clinical features were studied in the vitamin D deficient and vitamin D insufficient patients which included weakness, altered bowel habits, pain abdomen and lower back pain. Levels of vitamin D in IBS, the study of the stool frequencies showed most common to be once in more than 2 days numbered as 17 (24.0%).Conclusions Based on the findings of the study it concludes that low Vitamin D levels among patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Vitamin D deficient and vitamin D insufficient patients which included weakness, altered bowel habits, pain abdomen and lower back pain.