Our Summary
This research paper is about a study conducted to find out what information patients with Crohn’s anal fistula (a complication of Crohn’s disease) want to know in order to make decisions about their surgical treatment. The researchers created a survey based on interviews with patients and doctors, which included questions about what information was most important to the patients, how they preferred to receive this information, and how they felt about their decisions after they were made.
The researchers gave this survey to patients in 10 hospitals in England who had recently had surgery for Crohn’s anal fistula. Out of the 92 people who responded, the researchers found that the most important information for patients was about wound care and recovery, how the surgery would affect their symptoms, and how severe the surgery would be.
Most patients wanted to be involved in making decisions about their treatment and did not regret the decisions they had made. The patients preferred to receive information directly from their surgeon or in a booklet.
In conclusion, patients with Crohn’s anal fistula want to know about wound care and recovery, how the surgery will affect their symptoms, and the severity of the surgery. They want to be part of the decision-making process and prefer to get information from their surgeon or a booklet.
FAQs
- What kind of information do patients with Crohn’s anal fistula want to know most about their surgical treatment?
- How do patients with Crohn’s anal fistula prefer to receive information about their surgical treatment?
- Do most patients with Crohn’s anal fistula regret their decisions about surgical treatment?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient before anal fistula surgery is to make sure to follow all post-operative wound care instructions provided by the surgeon. This can help prevent complications and promote faster healing. Additionally, it is important to communicate openly with your surgeon about any concerns or questions you may have before and after the surgery. This can help ensure that you have a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect during the recovery process.
Suitable For
Patients who are recommended anal fistula surgery typically have conditions such as Crohn’s disease, which can cause anal fistulas to develop. Anal fistulas are abnormal connections between the anal canal and the skin near the anus, which can cause pain, swelling, and discharge. Surgery is often recommended for patients with anal fistulas that are complex, recurrent, or causing significant symptoms such as pain, infection, or fecal incontinence.
In addition to patients with Crohn’s disease, other types of patients who may be recommended anal fistula surgery include those with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, or trauma to the anal area. Patients who have tried conservative treatments such as antibiotics, drainage procedures, or seton placement without success may also be candidates for surgery.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo anal fistula surgery is based on the individual patient’s symptoms, the severity and complexity of the fistula, and the potential risks and benefits of surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific situation.
Timeline
Before anal fistula surgery, the patient may have been experiencing symptoms such as pain, swelling, discharge, and difficulty with bowel movements. They may have undergone tests to diagnose the anal fistula and received counseling from their healthcare provider about the surgery. The patient may have also discussed the risks and benefits of the surgery and prepared mentally and physically for the procedure.
After anal fistula surgery, the patient will likely experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical area. They will need to follow post-operative instructions for wound care, pain management, and monitoring for any signs of infection. The patient may also need to make changes to their diet and lifestyle to aid in healing and prevent future complications.
Over time, the patient should experience a reduction in symptoms and an improvement in their quality of life. They may need to follow up with their healthcare provider for regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure that the anal fistula has healed properly. With proper care and management, the patient can expect to have a successful outcome and a better overall health.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about anal fistula surgery may include:
- What are the risks and potential complications of the surgery?
- How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
- Will the surgery completely heal my anal fistula or are there chances of recurrence?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
- What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with Crohn’s anal fistula?
- Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
- How soon can I resume normal activities and work after the surgery?
- Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
Reference
Authors: Lee MJ, Jones GL, Lobo AJ, Brown SR; pCD collaborators. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2021 Jan;23(1):132-144. doi: 10.1111/codi.15423. Epub 2020 Dec 4. PMID: 33140914