2015 Volume 19 Issue 4 Pages 386-393
The purpose of this study was to clarify how patients who experienced defecation dysfunction following closure of their temporary stoma due to a low anterior resection for rectal cancer felt about, and coped with, their condition. Data were collected from 5 outpatients in a semi-structured interview and analyzed qualitatively and inductively. The findings indicated that patient responses fell into 2 phases and 10 categories. In the first, ‘Response to defecation dysfunction phase’ patients who had just undergone stoma closure and experienced the ‘Relief of getting（one’s）body back’ were suddenly confronted with the ‘Pain and distress of defecation dysfunction’ and made over themselves by ‘The effort that rouse themselves.’ After that they engaged in ‘Adapting to life with diarrhea.’ In the second, ‘Integrating the experience of living with cancer’ phase, patients who confronted their feelings were able to ‘Begin enjoying life again.’ Through validating their experiences, they were able to progress to ‘Accepting stoma placement surgery’ and reported ‘Higher awareness about health.’ Patients who were less disturbed by defecation dysfunction, adapted more quickly, and proceeded immediately to the ‘Begin enjoying life again’ phase were fundamentally more optimistic in outlook, but also less concerned about health. Thus the nursing staff should tailor their care to patients’ needs as inferred from their responses; patients with high levels of stress and anxiety should receive positive encouragement from the nursing staff to heighten confidence and emotional strength, while patients less solicitous of their own health can be taught to focus on coping strategies and on their past successes against cancer in order to assist their continued recovery.
