Abstract
Colorectal cancer affects a large number of people aged ≥80 years. Little is known about how they manage after discharge from hospital. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of individuals aged ≥80 years recovering from surgery for colorectal cancer, and the challenges they may encounter after discharge from hospital. Data were collected between January and March 2016 through in-depth interviews with ten participants approximately one month after surgery. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The COREQ checklist was used in reporting this study. Two themes were identified: Managing the recovery from CRC surgery, and Insufficient follow-up from the healthcare services after CRC surgery. The findings indicate that older people treated for colorectal cancer manage surprisingly well after discharge despite challenges in their recovery; however, there are seemingly areas of improvement in their follow-up healthcare.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer affects a large number of people aged 80 years
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of individuals aged 80 years recovering from surgery for Colorectal cancer (CRC) and the challenges they may encounter after discharge from hospital
Four were diagnosed with an unrelated disease during the presurgical examination; one was sufficiently covered with new medication, and two received further examination after the CRC surgery and recovery
Summary
Colorectal cancer affects a large number of people aged 80 years. Little is known about how they manage after discharge from hospital. Most people in this age group have at least one chronic condition and are susceptible to age-related impairment of cognitive and physical function[6] in addition to the impact of the cancer treatment The members of this heterogeneous group range from individuals with good health to those with increased vulnerability in terms of treatment and complications.[7] A study from 2019 showed that postoperative complications such as anastomosic leak, delirium and septicaemia occurred in a third of older people surgically treated for CRC.[8] Half of older patients reported a decrease in physical functioning after surgical treatment for CRC.[9] Devon, Urbach and McLeod[10] found that 78% of older CRC surgery patients returned home after discharge. Half of the older patients were in need of care when discharged
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