Our Summary

This study looks at how patients with Crohn’s disease are involved in making decisions about their surgical treatments. Specifically, it focuses on patients who develop a perianal fistula, a condition that affects about one in three Crohn’s patients.

The researchers interviewed 17 patients who had undergone surgery for this condition. They focused on understanding the patients’ experiences, how they received information, and their involvement in decision-making.

The study found that patients felt they didn’t receive all the necessary information to make the best decision about their treatment. They wanted more details about the risks, success rates, impact on their daily life, and what care would be needed after the surgery. Patients also felt they were not involved enough in the decision-making process and would have liked to weigh the pros and cons of different treatments to find the best one for them.

The conclusion is that doctors need to provide more comprehensive information about the treatment of Crohn’s perianal fistula. This includes discussion about post-surgery care, how the surgery will impact the patients’ quality of life, and the risks and benefits of the procedure.

FAQs

  1. What did the study find about the involvement of Crohn’s patients in decision-making about their surgical treatment?
  2. What kind of information did the patients feel they were missing when deciding on their treatment for perianal fistula?
  3. What recommendations does the study make for doctors treating Crohn’s patients with perianal fistula?

Doctor’s Tip

Patients should also be encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in the decision-making process. It is important for patients to feel informed and empowered when it comes to their healthcare decisions. By having open and honest discussions with their healthcare provider, patients can make the best choice for their individual needs and preferences.

Suitable For

Patients who have Crohn’s disease and develop a perianal fistula are typically recommended for anal fistula surgery. This surgery is often necessary to treat the fistula and prevent complications such as infection and abscesses. Patients who have recurrent or complex fistulas that do not respond to other treatments may also be candidates for surgery.

It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider and make an informed decision about whether surgery is the best course of action for them. Patients should also be aware of the potential risks and benefits of the surgery, as well as the post-operative care that will be required.

Timeline

Before anal fistula surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge around the anal area
  • Patient visits a doctor or specialist who diagnoses them with an anal fistula
  • Doctor discusses treatment options with the patient, which may include surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery

After anal fistula surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to treat the anal fistula
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative care instructions and medications to manage pain and prevent infection
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor their healing progress
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes to promote healing and prevent recurrence of the anal fistula.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about anal fistula surgery:

  1. What are the different treatment options available for my anal fistula?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with anal fistula surgery?
  3. How successful is anal fistula surgery in treating my condition?
  4. How will anal fistula surgery impact my daily life and activities?
  5. What kind of post-surgery care will I need and for how long?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures I should consider?
  7. How experienced are you in performing anal fistula surgeries?
  8. What is the expected recovery time after anal fistula surgery?
  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare for anal fistula surgery and optimize my chances for a successful outcome?

Reference

Authors: Lee MJ, Marshall JH, Jones GL, Lobo AJ, Brown SR. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2020 Jun;22(6):703-712. doi: 10.1111/codi.14936. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31868981