Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Objective:</bold> To explore the psychological and behavioral experiences related to fear of defecation in patients following hemorrhoid surgery, systematically analyze their experiences across physical, psychological, and social dimensions, and identify their underlying core needs. <bold>Design:</bold> A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study. <bold>Methods:</bold> A descriptive qualitative research approach was employed. Patients exhibiting significant fear-related behaviors after hemorrhoid surgery in an anorectal surgery department at a hospital in China were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. <bold>Results:</bold> A total of 15 eligible patients participated in this study. Four themes and ten subthemes related to psychological and physical experiences of fear of defecation were identified: anticipatory fear of pain (strong association between defecation and severe pain, excessive concern about anal wound tearing), conflict between defecation needs and avoidance behaviors (deliberate withholding and delaying defecation, intentionally reducing food intake to prevent defecation, excessive reliance and doubts regarding medications), complex and varied emotional experiences (shame and fear related to loss of bowel control, discrepancy between recovery expectations and real-life difficulties), and intrinsic desire for professional care and knowledge (individualized defecation guidance, emotional support from nursing staff, gradually building self-efficacy over time). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Fear of defecation following hemorrhoid surgery represents a psychosomatic phenomenon. Effective prevention and management require high-quality nursing and health education to empower patients with knowledge and skills, shifting them from passive endurance to active management. Nurses, as primary providers of health education, should substantially enhance patients’ cognitive understanding and self-efficacy, thereby facilitating comprehensive physical and psychological recovery. </p>