What is the impact of perioperative stress management sessions on patient well-being during colorectal cancer treatment? Results of a prospective, randomized, single-center study

INTRODUCTION: Improving patients' quality of life during and after their illness has become a major objective in the field of oncology. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of stress management sessions on improving quality of life upon discharge in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were randomized between a group that received perioperative stress management sessions as part of an Enhanced Rehabilitation After Surgery (ERAS) program and a group that did not. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires before, during, and at discharge from hospitalization. Well-being, fatigue score, and quality of life were assessed using the Manifestations of Psychological Well-Being Scale (EMMBEP), the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), and the FACT-C scale (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal), respectively. Pain and sleep were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale. The effectiveness of stress management sessions was evaluated at discharge, and patient satisfaction was assessed at one month. Length of hospital stay and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of a total of 154 patients who were randomized in the study, four patients were excluded because they did not undergo surgery, leaving 74 in the control group and 76 in the experimental group. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographics. Stress management sessions did not improve patients' quality of life at discharge. Preoperative well-being was inversely correlated with the MFI fatigue score (P