Abstract

Standard surgical treatment for patients operated for rectal cancer is abdominoperineal excision of the tumor resulting in a permanent colostomy or an anterior resection, often with construction of a temporary loop ileostomy. Both options impact bowel function. Living with a permanent colostomy has been studied in depth, but knowledge is limited about patients’ experiences living with a resected rectum after stoma reversal and how it affects daily life. A qualitative study was conducted to describe the first 4 to 6 weeks after reversal of a temporary loop ileostomy due to rectal cancer.... continue reading about A Descriptive, Qualitative Study to Assess Patient Experiences Following Stoma Reversal After Rectal Cancer Surgery