A longitudinal study on core symptom clusters in perioperative patients with colorectal cancer

CHEN Jingna; SHI Xiaoyan; YU Dan; ZHANG Keyao; YUAN Fang; ZHANG Lulu; SONG Lifang

doi:10.12104/j.issn.1674-4748.2025.17.003

Abstract：Objective:To identify the types,composition,and dynamic changes of symptom clusters experienced by patients with colorectal cancer during the perioperative period,aiming to provide a basis for healthcare professionals to implement targeted perioperative symptom management.Methods:A total of 110 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in the general surgery department of a Grade A tertiary hospital in Henan Province between January and December 2024 were selected as study participants.Surveys were conducted using the M.D.Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module(MDASI-GI)one day before surgery(T1),three days after surgery(T2),and on the day of discharge(T3).Exploratory factor analysis was performed on symptoms with an incidence rate≥40%at these three time points to extract symptom clusters,which were then statistically described.Results:The number of symptoms with an incidence rate>40%at T1,T2,and T3 was 10,16,and 15,respectively.Exploratory factor analysis revealed that 2,3,and 2 symptom clusters were extracted at T1,T2,and T3,respectively,for perioperative colorectal cancer patients.Specifically,at T1,there were 2 symptom clusters:psychological symptom cluster and gastrointestinal tract symptom cluster.At T2,there were 3 symptom clusters:gastrointestinal tract symptom cluster,pain-dry mouth-fatigue physical symptom cluster,and psychological symptom cluster.At T3,there were 2 symptom clusters:nutritional deficiency symptom cluster and psychological symptom cluster.Conclusions:The symptom clusters experienced by colorectal cancer patients during the perioperative period are dynamic,with the psychological symptom cluster remaining stable.Healthcare professionals can adopt targeted intervention measures based on the characteristics of symptom clusters during different periods to alleviate patients'symptom burden.