Effects of a bowel function improvement program for patients with rectal cancer surgery: A randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Patient Recovery Programs

Background:

• Rectal cancer surgery, specifically low anterior resection (LAR), can significantly impact bowel function.
• Male patients undergoing LAR often experience challenges with bowel dysfunction, affecting their quality of life.
• Effective post-operative management is crucial for improving patient outcomes after LAR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a structured bowel function improvement program for male patients after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
• To assess the program's impact on bowel function, self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization.
• To determine the potential of a nurse-led intervention in enhancing post-operative recovery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, unblinded, randomized controlled trial involving 42 male patients undergoing LAR.
• Patients were randomized into an experimental group (bowel function program) or a control group.
• The program included a 4-week intensive phase and an 8-week maintenance phase, with data collected on bowel function, self-efficacy, quality of life, and healthcare utilization.

Main Results:

• The bowel function improvement program demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving bowel function at 3 months post-discharge.
• A notable reduction in unplanned pharmacy visits was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group.
• No statistically significant differences were found in health-related quality of life or self-efficacy between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The bowel function improvement program is effective for male rectal cancer patients, enhancing bowel function and decreasing unplanned healthcare resource use.
• The findings support the implementation of this nurse-led program in clinical practice to facilitate early recovery following low anterior resection.
• This intervention offers a practical approach to managing post-surgical bowel dysfunction and improving patient care pathways.