Effectiveness of nurse-led dietary modification recommendations in the management of defecation dysfunction among patients with rectal cancer after sphincter-saving surgery: a scoping review

Aim Different degrees of defecation dysfunction emerge after sphincter-saving surgery. It is essential to implement dietary management interventions to manage defecation dysfunction. This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on nurse-led dietary modification recommendations for defecation dysfunction management and highlight any gaps in the literature. Design A systematic scoping review model was applied. Methods Four comprehensive databases were searched (01 November 2014 to 26 May 2025) and records were independently screened by two researchers using eligibility criteria. Articles were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal, employed quantitative research designs, and described a nurse-led dietary modification intervention for patients after sphincter-saving surgery. Data from the included studies were charted using a purpose-designed template, and data charting included participant characteristics, study methodology, information about the nurse-led dietary modification intervention, and the effectiveness of the intervention. Results Five publications met the study inclusion criteria: four randomized controlled pilot studies and one population-based, before-and-after pilot study. The studies varied in terms of intervention components, timing of delivery, and delivery mode. Two studies specifically focused on the effects of dietary modification programs, while the other three studies listed dietary management as one of the comprehensive nurse-led interventions. Nurse-led dietary recommendations included dietary fiber management, a diet diary, symptom-specific dietary modifications, and fiber supplement usage. Patient or public contribution Nurse-led dietary modification recommendations had different degrees of effectiveness in improving defecation dysfunction in this review. Further research regarding remote and precise nurse-led dietary management is warranted, and a more standardized, evidence-based nurse-led dietary modification program could be provided for clinical nursing care. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO ChiCTR2400082167.