BACKGROUND This study employed a phenomenological research approach within qualitative research to explore the challenges encountered by elderly individuals with temporary colostomies in managing their daily lives and care needs.Protecting the anus surgery combined with temporary colostomy has emerged as a prevalent treatment modality for low rectal cancer.However,the ileostomy is susceptible to peri-stoma skin complications,as well as fluid,electrolyte,and nutritional imbalances,posing challenges to effective management.The successful selfmanagement of patients is intricately linked to their adjustment to temporary colostomy;nonetheless,there remains a dearth of research examining the factors influencing self-care among temporary colostomy patients and the obstacles they confront.AIM To investigate the lived experiences,perceptions,and care requirements of temporary colostomy patients within their home environment,with the ultimate goal of formulating a standardized management protocol.METHODS Over the period of June to August 2023,a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 12 patients with temporary intestinal stomas from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai,China.Employing a phenomenological research approach,a semi-structured interview guide was developed,and qualitative interviews were conducted using in-depth interview techniques.The acquired data underwent coding,analysis,organization,and summarization following Colaizzi’s seven-step method.RESULTS The findings of this study revealed that the experiences and needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas can be delineated into four principal themes:Firstly,Temporary colostomy patients bear various burdens and concerns about the uncertainty of disease progression;secondly,patients exhibit limited self-care capabilities and face information deficits,resulting in heightened reliance on healthcare professionals;thirdly,patients demonstrate the potential for internal motivation through proactive self-adjustment;and finally,patients express a signifi
