Health personality and health-related quality of life after temporary ileostomy closure in rectal cancer survivors: a comparative study of open and laparoscopic surgery groups

Data on health personality and its association with outcomes of surgery have not been explored thus far. People with rectal cancer who underwent different surgical procedures might have distinctive perception of their health condition, because the open surgery scar is clearly visible as opposed to considerably smaller scarring after laparoscopic cancer removal. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of health personality traits with physical and mental quality of life in rectal cancer survivors after the end of the surgical treatment. This cross-sectional study included two groups of patients: one having had an open rectal cancer removal and another who had cancer removed laparoscopically from Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2021. Both groups had a temporary ileostomy, which was closed later on. Data collection was carried out from June 2022 to April 2023 by using the general questionnaire, Health Personality Assessment, SF-36 (mental and physical composite scores, MCS and PCS), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and electronic medical records. A total of 81 patients who underwent open and 53 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery were studied. They achieved a PHQ-2 score of 2 out of 6 in both study groups, thus below the depression threshold. In the open surgery group, lower Health Neuroticism and higher Health Agreeableness were associated with higher PCS and MCS. In the laparoscopic surgery group, lower Health Neuroticism was associated with better MCS. Also, higher Health Extraversion was associated with better PCS and MCS in the laparoscopic group. This research provides evidence that health personality could be a contributor to better physical and mental quality of life among rectal cancer survivors. Surgeons who manage patients with rectal cancer should be mindful of individual health personality traits. Through their support and responsiveness, surgeons are able to positively influence the physical and mental health of their patients.