Symptom clusters in patients with colorectal cancer after colostomy: a longitudinal study in Shanghai

OBJECTIVE: Research is lacking regarding the experiences of patients after colostomy, which is needed so as to take necessary specific actions. In this study, we aimed to describe the trajectory of symptom clusters experienced by patients after colostomy over time. METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study using data from 149 patients with colorectal cancer after colostomy. We investigated symptoms and symptom clusters at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after colostomy. RESULTS: Four main symptom clusters were identified, including a psychological symptom cluster, digestive and urinary symptom cluster, lack of energy symptom cluster, and pain symptom cluster in patients after colostomy in the first year after surgery. We further explored the symptom trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: We explored symptom clusters and the trajectory of symptom resolution in patients after colostomy during the first year after surgery. Four stages were proposed to describe the different statuses of symptom clusters experienced by patients. Our findings may provide insight into how to improve symptom management and postoperative quality of life for patients after colostomy.