Abstract
In recent times there have been many important changes in the surgical management of rectal cancer. The general thrust of these changes has been towards a less invasive approach with preservation of intestinal continuity and avoidance of the psychological sequelae of a stoma. It is also becomming increasingly apparent that profound sexual and autonomic dysfunction can be associated with abdominoperineal resection. This paper highlights these issues and the conflict between performing an adequate oncological proceedure and reducing the incidence of postoperative psychological morbidity. It outlines the great changes there have been in surgical technique and their relevance to psychological problems after surgery for rectal cancer. The need for auditing psychological morbidity when assessing the outcome of surgical series is emphasised, as is the importance of involving the patient in the medical decision making.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 17-21 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Supportive Care in Cancer |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 1997 |
Keywords
- Colostomy
- Decision making
- Psycho- oncology
- Quality of life
- Rectal cancer
- Surgery
- Treatment planning
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Nursing(all)