Our Summary

This study aimed to establish a standard procedure for using robotic surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer. The European Academy of Robotic Colorectal Surgery (EARCS) currently offers a training program, but there are no agreed-upon standards for how to perform the surgery. The researchers used a survey to gather opinions from expert surgeons across Europe. The survey broke down the surgery into different tasks and subtasks. The surgeons were asked to agree or disagree with various statements about how each task should be carried out. If less than 70% of the surgeons agreed with a statement, it was considered inadequate. The first round of surveys found an average agreement of 87%. Nine items had less than 70% agreement. After making some changes based on the surgeons’ feedback, a second survey found an average agreement of 94%. This is the first time a consensus has been reached on this type of surgery in Europe. The results of this study can now be used as a guide for training and performing robotic surgery for rectal cancer.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of this study on robotic surgery for rectal cancer?
  2. How was the consensus on the standard procedure for robotic rectal cancer surgery achieved?
  3. What will the results of this study be used for in the future?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about proctectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery progress.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for proctectomy include those with rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) that is not responding to medical treatment, rectal prolapse, and severe hemorrhoids. Additionally, patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may also undergo proctectomy as a preventive measure due to their increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Timeline

Before proctectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with rectal cancer and undergoes various tests to determine the stage of the cancer
  • Patient meets with a multidisciplinary team to discuss treatment options, including surgery
  • Patient undergoes preoperative preparation, which may include bowel preparation and other tests
  • Patient receives counseling and support to prepare for the surgery

After proctectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the robotic proctectomy surgery, which is performed by a trained surgeon using robotic technology
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for recovery and monitoring
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits after the surgery
  • Patient receives postoperative care, including pain management, wound care, and rehabilitation
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments and monitoring to ensure proper healing and to address any complications

Overall, the patient’s journey before and after proctectomy involves a thorough evaluation, careful preparation, advanced surgical technique, and comprehensive postoperative care to ensure the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a proctectomy and why do I need one?
  2. What are the different types of proctectomy procedures and which one is recommended for my condition?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with proctectomy surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like after a proctectomy and how long will it take?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing proctectomy surgeries, specifically using robotic surgery techniques?
  7. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of proctectomy surgery for my condition?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a proctectomy?
  9. How will my bowel function be affected after a proctectomy and are there any strategies to manage any changes?
  10. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my chances for a successful outcome?

Reference

Authors: Miskovic D, Ahmed J, Bissett-Amess R, Gómez Ruiz M, Luca F, Jayne D, Figueiredo N, Heald RJ, Spinoglio G, Parvaiz A; European Academy for Robotic Colorectal Surgery (EARCS). Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2019 Mar;21(3):270-276. doi: 10.1111/codi.14502. Epub 2019 Jan 24. PMID: 30489676