Combined psychological support and early enteral nutrition improve pain, sleep, and quality of life after colorectal cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the effects of combined psychological intervention and early enteral nutrition support on postoperative pain management, sleep quality, psychological well-being, and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients. A total of 320 colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery were randomized into intervention (<i>n</i> = 160) and control (<i>n</i> = 160) groups. The intervention group received standard care plus psychological intervention and early enteral nutrition support, while the control group received standard care only. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in sleep quality, pain intensity, anxiety, and depression scores (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). Quality of life scores measured by EORTC QLQ-C30 were also significantly higher in the intervention group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Combined psychological intervention and early enteral nutrition significantly enhance postoperative symptom control, including pain relief, improved sleep, and better psychological health, resulting in an overall improvement in quality of life (QOL) for colorectal cancer patients. This integrated approach is a promising strategy for improving postoperative recovery and symptom management.