Impacto de la Cirugía Colorrectal en el Desempeño Funcional y la Salud Autopercibida de Pacientes con Cáncer

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in Brazil, and surgical treatment can impact the functional performance and self-perception of health of patients. Objective: To analyze the impact of colorectal cancer surgery on the functional performance and self-perception of health of patients with oncological disease. Method: Descriptive and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach conducted between October 2024 and April 2025, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample composed of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Functional tests were applied, including assessment of functional performance status, risk of sarcopenia, gait speed, sit-to-stand test, and a questionnaire on self-perception of health, pre- and post-operatively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and, given the non-normal distribution of variables, the non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for comparison between the evaluated moments. Results: The sample consisted of 24 patients, predominantly males and with low educational attainment. Changes were observed in functional performance status [0.00 (0.00–0.75) vs. 1.00 (0.00–1.00); p<0.001] and in sarcopenia risk score [0.00 (0.00–11.00) vs. 0.00 (2.00–11.00); p=0.012]. There were no significant differences in the other variables assessed, including handgrip strength, gait speed, sit-to-stand test, and self-perceived health. Conclusion: There was a change in functional performance and sarcopenia risk in the postoperative period, while the other variables remained stable, reinforcing the importance of rehabilitation strategies in the care of these patients.