Our Summary

This study looked at who gets different types of proctectomy (surgery to remove all or part of the rectum), and whether there are any racial differences. The research used data from a national database and included 3511 patients with cancer who had this surgery between 2016 and 2020.

The findings showed that there were indeed racial disparities. Asian and White patients were more likely than African American patients to have laparoscopic proctectomy, a less invasive type of surgery. In fact, Asian patients had the highest rate of this surgery, as well as of robotic proctectomy, another less invasive procedure.

On the other hand, African American patients were more likely to have an open proctectomy, a more invasive procedure. They were also less likely than other races to have a laparoscopic proctectomy.

In conclusion, the study found that race can influence the type of proctectomy a patient gets. Specifically, African Americans are less likely to get less invasive surgeries, while Asians are more likely to get them. This indicates a disparity that needs to be addressed.

FAQs

  1. What is a proctectomy and what are its different types?
  2. Does race influence the type of proctectomy a patient might undergo?
  3. What racial disparities were found in the study regarding proctectomy surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about proctectomy is to discuss with them the different types of surgeries available and the potential benefits and risks of each. It’s important for patients to be informed and involved in the decision-making process, so they can choose the best option for their individual needs and preferences. Additionally, patients should feel comfortable discussing any concerns or questions they may have with their healthcare team.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended proctectomy include those with rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), rectal prolapse, or other conditions affecting the rectum. Proctectomy may be recommended when other treatments have not been effective or when there is a high risk of complications.

Patients who are in good overall health and able to tolerate surgery are usually considered candidates for proctectomy. The type of proctectomy recommended will depend on the specific condition being treated, the extent of the disease, and the patient’s individual circumstances.

It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of proctectomy with their healthcare provider and to explore all available treatment options before making a decision.

Timeline

Before proctectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with rectal cancer and undergoes various tests and consultations with healthcare providers.
  • Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
  • Patient meets with a surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks and benefits.

During proctectomy:

  • Surgery is performed to remove all or part of the rectum, depending on the extent of the cancer.
  • The type of proctectomy (laparoscopic, robotic, open) is determined based on the patient’s specific case and surgeon’s expertise.
  • Recovery time in the hospital can vary, but typically lasts several days to a week.

After proctectomy:

  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue following surgery and will need to follow post-operative care instructions.
  • Patient may need to adjust their diet and activity level to promote healing and prevent complications.
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and oncologist will be scheduled to monitor recovery and discuss any further treatment options.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about proctectomy:

  1. What are the different types of proctectomy and which one would be most appropriate for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with each type of proctectomy?
  3. What is the recovery process like for each type of proctectomy?
  4. Will I need additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
  5. How many proctectomies have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to proctectomy that I should consider?
  7. How will my quality of life be impacted after the surgery?
  8. Are there any racial disparities in the type of proctectomy that patients receive, and how will that impact my treatment plan?
  9. What can I do to ensure the best possible outcome for my surgery?
  10. Are there any support resources available to help me through the process of undergoing a proctectomy?

Reference

Authors: Nasseri YY, La KH, Oka K, Solis-Pazmino P, Smiley A, Langenfeld S, Cohen J, Barnajian M. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2024 Jun;26(6):1223-1230. doi: 10.1111/codi.16994. Epub 2024 May 3. PMID: 38702908