저위전방절제술을 받은 직장암 환자의 불안, 우울, 저위전방절제증후군, 삶의 질과의 관계

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between anxiety, depression, low anterior resection syndrome, and quality of life after lower anterior resection for rectal cancer. Methods: The participants of this study were 105 rectal cancer patients who visited the outpatient department of a hospital in Seoul for treatment or follow-up consultations. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and clinical records. To measure the variables, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score, and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 were utilized. Data were subsequently analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 20.0 program. Results: Low anterior resection syndrome was more severe among patients whose cancer was located closer to the anus, and had a greater range of resection in those who received neoadjuvant treatment. When anxiety, depression, and low anterior resection syndrome score were higher, quality of life scores were lower. Conclusion: These results suggest that low anterior resection syndrome may negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to provide patients with symptom management support/assistance through evidence- based nursing interventions, and evaluations of low anterior resection syndrome to relieve anxiety and depression, and thus enhance quality of life.