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A multi-modal study examining long-term bowel, urinary, and sexual function after rectal cancer surgery
Alisha Lussiez1, C Ann Vitous1, Ana C De Roo2
1Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, North Campus Research Complex, Bldg. 16, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|March 9, 2022
Summary
Rectal cancer surgery survivors often face long-term bowel, urinary, and sexual problems. Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving survivorship care and patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Rectal cancer survivors frequently experience persistent bowel, urinary, and sexual dysfunction post-treatment.
- A deeper understanding of these lived experiences is essential for optimizing survivorship care strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and impact of postoperative symptoms on the quality of life in rectal cancer survivors.
- To explore the lived experiences of patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.
Main Methods:
- A multi-modal study involving surveys and qualitative interviews with rectal cancer surgery patients (2015-2019).
- Data collection focused on postoperative symptom burden and its effect on quality of life.
Main Results:
- 188 patients responded (63.5% response rate).
- Significant percentages reported moderate to severe issues: 41.5% bowel habits, 7.8% bladder habits, 36.2% sexual function.
- Patient experiences showed considerable variation, even with similar symptom levels.
Conclusions:
- Persistent symptoms significantly impact rectal cancer survivors' quality of life long after surgery.
- Enhanced support beyond the immediate postoperative period is necessary for managing long-term dysfunction.
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