title: Bowel problems, self-care practices, and information needs of colorectal cancer survivors at 6 to 24 months after sphincter-saving surgery.
abstract: The aim of this study was to describe bowel problems, self-care practices, and information needs of patients who have recovered from the acute effects of sphincter-saving surgery for colorectal cancer. A retrospective, descriptive survey was conducted using a structured telephone interview and mailed questionnaires. The sample consisted of 101 patients who had undergone sphincter-saving surgery for colorectal cancer in the last 6 to 24 months. Most participants (71.3%) reported a change in bowel habits after surgery. The 6 most frequently reported gastrointestinal problems were incomplete evacuation (75.2%), excessive flatus (75.2%), urgency (73.3%), straining (61.4%), perianal soreness or itching (49.5%), and bloating (43.6%). Incontinence of feces (varying from smears to complete bowel action) was reported by 37.6% of participants. The most frequently reported information needs were related to diet (50.5%) and managing conditions such as diarrhea (31.7%), bloating/wind/gas (28.7%), pain (21.8%), and incomplete emptying of the bowel (18.8%). Patients who had recovered from the acute effects of sphincter-saving surgery for colorectal cancer reported a wide range of bowel problems and ongoing concerns about managing symptoms. Findings from this study provide valuable information to guide the development of educational resources to prevent or better manage bowel problems after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nikoletti
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Levitt
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chidlow
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hollingsworth
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D017741:Survivors; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult