Management Of Bowel Symptoms Research Articles

“You're just on your own”: Exploring bowel symptom management needs after rectal cancer surgery through patient and clinician focus groups

PurposeCurrently cancer survivorship often leaves the needs of patients unidentified and unmet. The study aims to establish the views of experts on managing bowel symptoms following rectal cancer surgery. MethodPeople living with bowel symptoms as well as clinicians with expertise in rectal cancer and subsequent bowel changes were invited to participate in online focus groups. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a modified framework analysis. Results were presented narratively with interpretations and quotations. ResultsFourteen patients following rectal cancer treatment attended one of two focus groups. Sixteen clinicians attended one of four groups. Participants described their opinions about bowel symptom management. Three themes were described by both patients and clinicians: expectations of bodily changes, supported self-repair and knowledgeable self-repair. Data from participants frequently concurred; all recognised clinicians needed to support and empower patients to independently manage their cancer consequences. ConclusionWell-managed expectations enable patients to set realistic goals and make plans. Clinicians need to support patients to understand potential bowel changes that might occur after rectal cancer surgery, providing support, information and signposting to other relevant information and colleagues. Effective communication through avoidance of jargon and rapport building as well as providing a point of contact help prevent patients feeling alone with their symptoms. Education is needed by both clinicians and patients to ensure consistent and useful advice is provided and understood. A recommendation from the focus groups is to create opportunities for patients to access information with clinician support and signposting.

Experiences of bowel symptoms in patients with rectal cancer after sphincter-preserving surgery: a qualitative meta-synthesis.

This study is to identify and synthesize the available evidence of bowel symptom experiences of patients with rectal cancer after sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS). This qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) qualitative systematic review methodology and reported following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. Seven databases were searched on 22 December 2021. The selected studies were reviewed by two independent reviewers, and disagreements were resolved by discussion or with a third reviewer. Seven qualitative articles were included in the meta-synthesis with 192 total rectal cancer patients. The review summarized 53 qualitative findings into three synthesized findings: (a) Patients experienced bowel symptoms and triggered additional physiological problems, and they underestimated bowel symptoms; (b) patients had many negative emotions, and their daily life and social interaction were disturbed; and (c) patients adopted strategies to adapt or control their bowel symptoms. According to the ConQual evidence grading approach, the confidence of the synthesized findings was rated as moderate to low. The bowel symptoms of patients with rectal cancer after SPS have troubled their lives. Timely acquisition of symptom-related knowledge and enhancement of their coping abilities are important for the control and management of bowel symptoms. Healthcare professionals should clearly understand the bowel symptoms that patients may experience after SPS and provide supportive care for patients to improve patients' self-management abilities and quality of life. PROSPERO: CRD42021242610.

Altering Intake and Managing Symptoms: Feasibility of a Diet Modification Intervention for Post-Treatment Bowel Dysfunction in Rectal Cancer.

Bowel dysfunction is a common long-term effect of rectal cancer treatment that affects a survivor's quality of life, with few empirically based interventions for symptom management. The objective was to determine the acceptability of diet modification for bowel dysfunction in postsurgical rectal cancer survivors. 11 rectal cancer survivors who were at least six months post-treatment and reported moderate to severe bowel symptoms completed 10 telephone coaching sessions focusing on diet and symptom management over four months. Feasibility was assessed by study enrollment rate and intervention completion rate. Diet modification coaching for bowel symptom management is feasible for post-treatment rectal cancer survivors. The intervention can be evaluated for efficacy because of potential to serve as a scalable and accessible approach for effective bowel symptom management.

Testing Diet Intervention Versus Non-Diet Intervention for Management of Bowel Symptoms in Rectal Cancer Survivors

Testing Diet Intervention Versus Non-Diet Intervention for Management of Bowel Symptoms in Rectal Cancer Survivors

Rationale, development, and design of the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) dietary intervention for bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors

PurposeBowel dysfunction is a common, persistent long-term effect of treatment for rectal cancer survivors. Survivors often use dietary modifications to maintain bowel control. There are few evidence-based interventions to guide survivors on appropriate diet modifications for bowel symptom management. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and design of the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) intervention to support bowel dysfunction management in rectal cancer survivors. MethodsThe AIMS intervention is a ten-session, telephone-based diet behavior change intervention delivered by trained health coaches. It uses dietary recall, participant-completed food and symptom diaries, and health coaching guided by motivational interviewing to promote bowel symptom management and improved diet quality. Based on the Chronic Care Self-Management Model (CCM), the AIMS Intervention is designed to improve self-efficacy and self-management of bowel symptoms by coaching survivors to appropriately modify their diets through goal setting, self-monitoring, and problem-solving. The intervention targets survivors with stage I-III rectosigmoid colon/rectum cancer who are 6 months post-treatment, 21 years and older, and English-speaking. ConclusionsThe design and development process described in this paper provides an overview and underscores the potential of the AIMS intervention to positively impact the quality of long-term survivorship for rectal cancer survivors. An ongoing pilot study will inform the design and development of future multi-site Phase II and III randomized trials.

Novel malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) management program for women with advanced gynecological cancer.

158 Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common and challenging clinical predicament in women with advanced gynecological cancers. However, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines or innovative approaches to improve patient care and quality of life. We implemented an inter-professional MBO management program incorporating a nurse-led ambulatory symptom management algorithm and multidisciplinary care conferences (MCC) as hallmarks of this program. Methods: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has piloted an inter-professional MBO management program that supports women with advanced gynecological cancers who are at risk of/have developed MBO. The MBO team includes oncologists (medical, surgical, gynecologic and radiation), palliative care physicians, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, home parenteral nutrition physicians, specialized oncology nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and social workers. Complex MBO cases are discussed at regular MCC to derive treatment consensus. A symptom-driven MBO management algorithm has been devised and all patients are educated with a personalized bowel symptom management and dietary plan. For outpatient care, patients with MBO are proactively monitored by our specialized oncology nurses via phone or an eHealth bowel application to facilitate communication of symptoms and early intervention. Access to community services and home palliative care services are utilized to support care at home. All patients are enrolled into a prospective database to assess care impact and quality. Results: A total of 145 patients have been followed through the MBO management program over 12 months. At time of data cutoff, 14 had MBO (3 inpatients and 11 outpatients) and 22 were deemed at risk of MBO. Majority patients are managed as an outpatient and avoided unnecessary emergency department episodes. Detailed methodology and data analyses will be presented. Conclusions: A successful novel MBO program incorporating inter-professional care model and nurse-led ambulatory symptom management algorithm optimizes patient care in this vulnerable population and foster collaboration in implementing best practice clinical processes.

Transitions in care from pediatric to adult general surgery: Evaluating an unmet need for patients with anorectal malformation and Hirschsprung disease

BackgroundThe provision of timely and comprehensive transition of care from pediatric to adult surgical providers for patients who have undergone childhood operations remains a challenge. Understanding the barriers to transition from a patient and family perspective may improve this process. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted of patients with a history of anorectal malformation (ARM) or Hirschsprung Disease (HD) and their families. The web-based survey was administered through two support groups dedicated to the needs of individuals born with these congenital abnormalities. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact test with Student's t test and ANOVA for continuous variables. ResultsA total of 118 surveys were completed (approximately 26.2% response). The average age of patients at time of survey was 12.3years (SD 11.6) with 64.5% less than 15years old. The primary diagnosis was reported for 78.8% patients and included HD (29.0%), ARM (61.3%), and cloaca (9.7%). The average distance traveled for ongoing care was 186.6miles (SD 278.3) with 40.9% of patients traveling ≥30miles; the distance was statistically significantly greater for patients with ARM (p<0.001). With regards to ongoing symptoms, 44.1% experience constipation, 40.9% experience diarrhea, and approximately 40.9% require chronic medication for management of bowel symptoms; only 3 respondents (3.2%) reported fecal incontinence. The majority of patients, 52.7% reported being seen by a provider at least twice per year and the majority continued to be followed by a pediatric provider, consistent with the majority of the cohort being less than 18years of age. Conversations with providers regarding transitioning to an adult physician had occurred in fewer than 13% of patients. The most commonly cited barrier to transition was the perception that adult providers would be ill-equipped to manage the persistent bowel symptoms. ConclusionPatients undergoing childhood procedures for ARM or HD have a high prevalence of ongoing symptoms related to bowel function but very few have had conversations regarding transitions in care. Early implementation of transitional care plans and engagement of adult providers are imperative to transitions and may confer long-term health benefits in this patient population. Level of evidenceLevel IV, case series with no comparison group.

Risk-stratified multidisciplinary ambulatory management of malignant bowel obstruction (MAMBO) program for women with advanced gynecological cancer.

e18024 Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) in gynecologic oncology patients is associated with poor prognosis, debilitating symptoms and compromises quality of life. Management of MBO poses a clinical challenge with prolonged hospitalization. Evidence based guidelines for surgical intervention, use of chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition or best supportive care in this patient population is lacking. Surgical correction may improve survival in selected patients. Retrospective analysis to assess impact of MBO show variable range of MBO-related admissions up to 60 days, and is associated with significant morbidity. Methods: A risk stratified MAMBO program for gynecologic patients has been implemented at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to define a systematic approach for MBO management and build multidisciplinary consensus for personalized treatment of our patients. The program is novel and includes a nurse-led ambulatory management algorithm with an eHealth application designed to monitor bowel symptoms. A symptom-driven classification system has been devised to objectively define risk using a MBO management algorithm. Complex MBO cases are discussed in designated MBO rounds for consensus treatment recommendation. All patients with MBO are enrolled into a prospective database. Patients undergoing surgical procedures for MBO are consented for opportunistic tissue collection for translational research. MBO patient education materials have been developed to improve awareness and encourage proactive bowel symptom management. Results: Seventy nine patients have been followed through this risk stratified MAMBO program for ambulatory care over 6 months. The MBO program integrates diet, laxatives/stool softeners and drug therapy. Designated MBO rounds are now established for complex case discussion. A prospective MBO database will evaluate treatment and patient-reported outcomes. Conclusions: Risk stratified model of care for multidisciplinary MBO program facilitates decision-making between disciplines and optimize patient care in a vulnerable population with support for ambulatory care.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction and the resolution of urinary incontinence with successful management of bowel symptoms in children

To investigate the effect of treating defecation problems on urinary incontinence in children suffering from combined urinary bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD). We established a clinical database from medical records of all children referred to the urinary incontinence and gastroenterology outpatient clinics with BBD. The following variables were extracted: symptoms of constipation, faecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, age at onset of symptoms, treatment, including duration and response. All children went through the same treatment protocol. Faecal disorders were treated primarily and once relieved, the daytime incontinence was managed and followed by intervention for nocturnal enuresis. In total, 73 children were included in the study. The treatment regimen resulted in resolution of the defecation disorder in 96% of the patients. Of the children with daytime urinary incontinence, 68% had at least a 50% reduction in number of daytime incontinence episodes by successful relief of bowel dysfunction and 27% became completely continent during daytime. Only 17% of the children suffering from enuresis had a significant reduction in number of wet nights after relief of their faecal problem. The empirical treatment approach of managing bowel symptoms before intervening for bladder dysfunction in children with BBD is found to be appropriate.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction and the resolution of urinary incontinence with successful management of bowel symptoms in children

Bladder and bowel dysfunction and the resolution of urinary incontinence with successful management of bowel symptoms in children

Self-Care Strategies for the Management of Bowel Symptoms Following Sphincter-Saving Surgery for Rectal Cancer

The primary aim of this article is to identify the self-care strategies that patients use to manage bowel symptoms experienced following sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer. Comparisons will be made with self-care strategies used by patients to manage chronic fecal incontinence and the bowel symptoms associated with other chronic bowel diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Published studies and conceptual literature from 2000-2010 were the data sources. Three major themes emerged from the literature reflecting the self-care strategies used by patients to manage bowel symptoms: functional self-care strategies (e.g., taking medication), social activity-related self-care strategies (e.g., planning social events), and alternative self-care strategies (e.g., complementary therapies). An analysis of studies highlighted that, through the process of trial and error, patients learned the strategies that were most effective in the management of their bowel symptoms. Knowledge of such strategies will be beneficial to healthcare professionals when educating patients about effective management of bowel symptoms following sphincter-saving surgery.

Bowel symptom experiences and management following sphincter saving surgery for rectal cancer: A qualitative perspective

Purpose of the researchThe aim of this research was to explore participants’ qualitative perspectives on bowel symptom experiences and management strategies following sphincter saving surgery for rectal cancer. Methods and sampleThe data presented in this paper were gleaned from a semi-structured question that formed part of a larger multi-site quantitative correlational study. From a sample of 143 participants, a total of 77 (62.6%) males and 46 (37.3%) females provided qualitative comments. Participants were aged 30–70 years and over, had undergone sphincter saving surgery for rectal cancer in the past 3–42 months. Data were analysed using pre-determined semi-structured categories. Key resultsThe study demonstrated the subjective nature of the bowel symptoms experienced. It also highlighted the bowel symptoms that were most problematic and the effect of these symptoms on participants’ daily lives. In addition, the self-care strategies that worked best for individual participants in the management of bowel symptoms were identified. ConclusionsThere is a need to educate patients on the short-term as well as the long-term bowel symptoms experienced following sphincter saving surgery for rectal cancer. Nurses have an important contribution to make in facilitating patients to choose from a range of self-care strategies to help them manage their bowel symptoms postoperatively.