Our Summary

This research paper is about improving training for a complex surgery called perineal proctectomy. Right now, there are no virtual reality (VR) simulators for learning this procedure, so the researchers wanted to create a system to measure how well a surgeon performs the surgery.

They did this in three steps: first, they came up with a list of specific tasks involved in the surgery. Second, they asked expert colorectal surgeons to review this list and agree on which tasks were most important. Finally, they tested the system by having both new and experienced surgeons perform the surgery on a model, and then used the task list to rate their performance.

The results show that the task list was a good way to measure surgical performance. There was a strong positive correlation between the task-based scores and the overall scores, and the system was able to identify differences between the new and experienced surgeons. This suggests that this method could be useful in training for this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of creating a system to measure a surgeon’s performance in perineal proctectomy?
  2. What were the steps taken by the researchers in developing this system?
  3. Based on the research, how effective was the task list in gauging surgical performance in perineal proctectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about proctectomy is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include proper wound care, taking prescribed medications, and following a specific diet plan. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery progress.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for proctectomy are those with conditions such as rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), or severe rectal prolapse. In these cases, a proctectomy may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the rectum and/or anus in order to improve quality of life and prevent complications such as infection or cancer.

It is important for patients considering proctectomy to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with their healthcare provider and to explore all available treatment options. In some cases, alternative treatments such as medication or less invasive procedures may be recommended before proceeding with a proctectomy.

Timeline

Before the proctectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a condition that requires a proctectomy, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or rectal prolapse.
  • Patient consults with a colorectal surgeon to discuss the surgery, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes.
  • Patient undergoes preoperative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or take medications to prepare for the surgery.
  • Patient discusses postoperative care and recovery with their healthcare team.

After the proctectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the proctectomy surgery, which involves removal of part or all of the rectum and anus.
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover and receive pain management.
  • Patient will need to follow a strict diet and activity restrictions during the initial recovery period.
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing and address any complications.
  • Patient may need to undergo physical therapy or other rehabilitation to regain bowel function and adjust to any changes in their body.
  • Patient will need to make long-term lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and regular medical screenings, to maintain their health after the proctectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about proctectomy include:

  1. What is a proctectomy and why is it recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with proctectomy?
  3. What is the success rate of proctectomy in treating my condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after proctectomy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available for my condition?
  6. How many proctectomies have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet after the surgery?
  9. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing proctectomy?

Reference

Authors: Desir A, Pourghaderi P, Hegde SR, Demirel D, Pogacnik JS, De S, Fleshman JW, Sankaranarayanan G. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2024 Sep;38(9):5319-5330. doi: 10.1007/s00464-024-11029-w. Epub 2024 Jul 18. PMID: 39026007