Immediate postoperative experiences before discharge among patients with rectal cancer and a permanent colostomy: A qualitative study

Purpose Patients with rectal cancer with a permanent colostomy often have issues in physical, psychological and social domains. Since discharge is an important transition period, the patient experience at that time is worthy of attention. The aim of this study was to explore the immediate postoperative experiences before discharge among patients with rectal cancer and a permanent colostomy in China. Methods A qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 patients newly living with colostomy in China, who were asked open-ended questions about their postoperative experience. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Results Four themes and twelve sub-themes were identified from the interviews: (1) psychological reactions (stoma self-acceptance, negative emotion and social isolation), (2) daily life concern (daily life misunderstandings, sexual life compromise and work restriction), (3) stoma care consideration (strong stoma self-care willingness, decreased stoma self-care confidence and access to high-quality stoma care), and (4) support from others (enterostomal nurses, family members and stoma friends). Conclusion Colostomy patients experience various obstacles in physiological, psychological, and societal aspect. Nurses should provide effective discharge guidance to correct misunderstandings about the stoma, refer patients to psychological care, and promote transitional care.