Effects of Closed Continuous Irrigation and Drainage Technique Combined With Narrative Nursing in Ultra-Low Rectal Cancer Patients Who Received Anus-Preserving Operation.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aims to retrospectively analyze the combined effects of closed continuous irrigation drainage technique (CCIDT) and narrative nursing on recovery, anxiety, and quality of life in ultra-low rectal cancer (ULRC) patients undergoing anus-preserving operation.

METHODS: A total of 224 ULRC patients were analyzed with four groups: conventional drainage with routine care (Group A), conventional drainage with narrative nursing (Group B), irrigated drainage with routine care (Group C), and irrigated drainage with narrative nursing (Group D). The outcome assessment included the first postoperative exhaust time, drainage tube placement time, and length of stay. Anxiety levels were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

RESULTS: The CCIDT significantly shortened the first postoperative exhaust time, drainage tube placement time, and length of stay compared to conventional drainage techniques (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). However, CCIDT did not significantly affect the occurrence of anastomotic fistulas or abdominal infections. Narrative nursing significantly reduced anxiety levels (p < 0.001) and improved quality of life (p < 0.001). However, narrative nursing did not influence the incidence of anastomotic fistulas or abdominal infections. The combination of CCIDT and narrative nursing effectively enhances postoperative recovery, reduces anxiety, and improves quality of life in ULRC patients.