The Process of Accepting Functional Impairments among Male Rectal Cancer Patients after Surgery

Background and Aims: Male rectal cancer patients experience postoperative anxiety regarding bowel, urinary, and sexual function impairment. These patients must cope with various physical and psychosocial issues. The purpose of this study was to explain the process of accepting postoperative functional impairments among male rectal cancer patients. Methods: Fourteen male rectal cancer patients who had undergone surgery 6 or more months beforehand were assessed through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Results: Simultaneous bowel, urinary, and sexual dysfunction mutually impeded male rectal cancer patients' activities and negatively affected their self-esteem alongside a feeling of lost masculinity. However, patients learned to understand their condition while exploring coping techniques for these three major impairments on their own terms. Patients adopted one of two coping methods, positive acceptance or acceptance with resignation, depending on support structures and the effectiveness of these established coping methods. Conclusion: Patients' acceptance of the impairment of three major bodily functions should be characterized as a single structure, rather than focusing on accepting bowel dysfunction alone. Support programs should be structured based on the processes characterized through this study along with patient readiness.