Other Titles
Experience of bowel dysfunction after low anterior resection among patients with rectal cancer: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis [Poster Title]
Abstract
Purpose: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common and distressing outcome for many rectal cancer patients following low anterior resection (LAR), significantly affecting their quality of life. Numerous studies have explored patient experiences with bowel dysfunction; however, due to varying results, there are limitations to understanding these experiences comprehensively. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize diverse qualitative research findings to reveal a more comprehensive perspective.
Methods: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was performed through a rigorous and thorough systematic review, encompassing databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Additional studies were identified through reference checks and manual searches. Two researchers independently handled study selection, quality appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis, ensuring a high level of methodological integrity. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies was utilized for the quality assessment of the selected studies. The selected studies were analyzed and synthesized using the seven-step meta-ethnography method developed by Noblit and Hare (1988).
Results: Out of 1,123 studies, 22 met the inclusion criteria, spanning the years 2006 to 2024, and collectively involving 592 participants. Three synthesized themes emerged: "Understanding and Managing LARS," "Healthcare Collaboration and Support," and "Social and Emotional Challenges." Patients utilized various strategies to manage and cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with LARS, drawing on support resources such as peers and healthcare professionals. Despite frequently encountering feelings of shame and stigma, many patients remained hopeful that their bowel issues would be resolved.
Conclusion: This study reveals that rectal cancer patients face ongoing challenges due to LARS, requiring diverse coping strategies to manage both physical and emotional complexities. Despite these struggles, many patients remain hopeful for improvement. The findings highlight the need for future research to develop tailored, ongoing treatments that address not only physical symptoms but also provide strong professional and emotional support. Clear information and comprehensive care plans are essential to improving patients' quality of life.
Notes
References:
Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). 2017. CASP Checklists. Available at http://www.casp-uk.net/casp-tools-checklists.
Keane, C., Fearnhead, N. S., Bordeianou, L. G., Christensen, P., Basany, E. E., Laurberg, S., ... & Bissett, I. (2020). International consensus definition of low anterior resection syndrome. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 63(3), 274-284.
Noblit, G. W., & Hare, R. D. (1988). Meta-ethnography: Synthesizing qualitative studies. Sage
Paterson, B. L. (2001). Meta-study of qualitative health research: A practical guide to meta-analysis and meta-synthesis (Vol. 3). Sage.
Pape, E. et al. (2021). Impact of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) on the quality of life and treatment options of LARS - A cross sectional study. European journal of oncology nursing, 50, 101878.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Meta-Analysis/Synthesis
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Long-term Care, Stress and Coping, Rectal Cancer, Bowel Dysfunction
Recommended Citation
Kim, Min Jeong; Kim, Eun Young; and Kim, Young Man, "Experience of Bowel Dysfunction in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and mMeta-Synthesis" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 45.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/45
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Experience of Bowel Dysfunction in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and mMeta-Synthesis
Seattle, Washington, USA
Purpose: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common and distressing outcome for many rectal cancer patients following low anterior resection (LAR), significantly affecting their quality of life. Numerous studies have explored patient experiences with bowel dysfunction; however, due to varying results, there are limitations to understanding these experiences comprehensively. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize diverse qualitative research findings to reveal a more comprehensive perspective.
Methods: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was performed through a rigorous and thorough systematic review, encompassing databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Additional studies were identified through reference checks and manual searches. Two researchers independently handled study selection, quality appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis, ensuring a high level of methodological integrity. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies was utilized for the quality assessment of the selected studies. The selected studies were analyzed and synthesized using the seven-step meta-ethnography method developed by Noblit and Hare (1988).
Results: Out of 1,123 studies, 22 met the inclusion criteria, spanning the years 2006 to 2024, and collectively involving 592 participants. Three synthesized themes emerged: "Understanding and Managing LARS," "Healthcare Collaboration and Support," and "Social and Emotional Challenges." Patients utilized various strategies to manage and cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with LARS, drawing on support resources such as peers and healthcare professionals. Despite frequently encountering feelings of shame and stigma, many patients remained hopeful that their bowel issues would be resolved.
Conclusion: This study reveals that rectal cancer patients face ongoing challenges due to LARS, requiring diverse coping strategies to manage both physical and emotional complexities. Despite these struggles, many patients remain hopeful for improvement. The findings highlight the need for future research to develop tailored, ongoing treatments that address not only physical symptoms but also provide strong professional and emotional support. Clear information and comprehensive care plans are essential to improving patients' quality of life.
Description
A systematic review synthesizing the experiences of rectal cancer patients with bowel dysfunction following LAR revealed that, despite challenges, patients employ various coping strategies. The study emphasizes the need for future research to develop long-term, personalized treatment strategies that address both physical symptoms and the emotional toll of the condition.