Our Summary

This research paper is about a less invasive surgical procedure for treating ulcerative colitis, a disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. The procedure is performed through the anus, allowing for better visibility and precision. The researchers performed this procedure on 11 patients from September 2017 to February 2018. The surgery took an average of 285 minutes, no serious complications occurred during the operations, and only one patient had complications after the surgery. The patients stayed in the hospital for about a week. Based on these initial results, the researchers believe this surgical procedure could be a viable treatment option for ulceric colitis.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical procedure mentioned in the research for treating ulcerative colitis?
  2. How long did the patients typically stay in the hospital after the procedure?
  3. What were the initial results of the research on this new surgical procedure for ulcerative colitis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about proctectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in light physical activity as recommended. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene in the anal area and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended proctectomy are those who have severe ulcerative colitis that is not responsive to medical treatment, have complications such as perforation or toxic megacolon, or have a high risk of developing colon cancer. Proctectomy may also be recommended for patients who have a significant decrease in their quality of life due to their ulcerative colitis symptoms, such as frequent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Additionally, patients who have failed other surgical treatments such as colectomy or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may be candidates for proctectomy.

Timeline

Before the proctectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a disease causing inflammation in the digestive tract.
  2. Patient undergoes various treatments such as medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient experiences persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
  4. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss the possibility of a proctectomy as a treatment option.

After the proctectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as fasting and bowel cleansing.
  2. Patient undergoes proctectomy surgery, which lasts an average of 285 minutes.
  3. Patient is monitored post-operatively for any complications.
  4. Patient stays in the hospital for about a week for recovery and monitoring.
  5. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
  6. Patient experiences improved symptoms and quality of life post-proctectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a proctectomy for treating ulcerative colitis?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a proctectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  4. How will a proctectomy affect my bowel movements and continence?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options for ulcerative colitis that I should consider before opting for a proctectomy?
  6. How experienced is the surgical team in performing proctectomies for ulcerative colitis?
  7. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo a proctectomy for ulcerative colitis?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. How soon can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms after a proctectomy?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should be aware of following a proctectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Levic Souzani K, Nielsen CB, Bulut O. Journal: Asian J Endosc Surg. 2019 Jul;12(3):281-286. doi: 10.1111/ases.12646. Epub 2018 Sep 9. PMID: 30198181