The lived experience of recovery during the first 6 months after colorectal cancer surgery

Aims and objectives To describe the lived experience of recovery during the first 6 months after colorectal cancer surgery. Background Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis worldwide. Early discharge places demands on healthcare professionals to prepare patients for their return home and to provide them with appropriate support throughout the recovery process. This requires knowledge of what it is like to recover from colorectal cancer surgery. Design A qualitative phenomenological design was used to describe the structure of recovery after colorectal cancer surgery. Methods Ten patients recovering from colorectal cancer surgery were interviewed at one month and six months after surgery. The descriptive phenomenological method by Giorgi was used throughout the study. Results Postoperative recovery was described as a progressive process. This process was accompanied by experiences of physical powerlessness, difficulties with food intake, altered bowel function and dependency on others. The experiences were most intense at the beginning of the recovery but disappeared as time went by and normality in life returned. Conclusion While recovering from colorectal cancer surgery, patients experience obstacles that impede their ability to live life as normal. Six months after surgery, those experiences disappear or become adjusted to being part of normal life. Relevance to clinical practice Patients should be provided with information about the expected postoperative recovery before discharge from hospital. The need for professional support appears to be most frequently needed in early recovery, but it should be considered on an individual basis.