Our Summary

This research paper focuses on how patients with rectal cancer make decisions about their treatment and how this can impact their feelings of regret and satisfaction afterwards. The study was conducted on adult patients who had undergone a specific type of surgery for rectal cancer called restorative proctectomy.

The researchers examined the health literacy of the patients (how well they understand health information), their preferences for decision-making when it comes to cancer treatment, their feelings of regret after choosing to undergo the surgery, and any dysfunction of the bowel after the operation.

They found that 63% of the patients had adequate health literacy, 25% had marginal, and 12% had limited. Patients who understood health information better were more likely to want to be involved in decision-making about their treatment.

The study also found that those whose actual role in decision-making did not match their preferred role were more likely to feel a high degree of regret after the surgery. Patients who experienced major bowel dysfunction after the surgery were also more likely to feel a lot of regret.

In conclusion, a significant number of rectal cancer patients who go through this type of surgery do not have a role in decision-making that matches their preferences, causing them to feel a high degree of regret.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of this research study on rectal cancer patients?
  2. How does a patient’s health literacy and preferred role in decision-making impact their feelings after surgery?
  3. Did the study find a link between post-surgery bowel dysfunction and feelings of regret in rectal cancer patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering proctectomy is to ensure that they fully understand their treatment options, potential risks, and expected outcomes. It is important for patients to be actively involved in the decision-making process and to communicate their preferences to their healthcare team. Additionally, patients should be aware of the possibility of bowel dysfunction after the surgery and discuss any concerns or questions with their healthcare provider. By being informed and actively participating in the decision-making process, patients may be able to reduce feelings of regret and improve their overall satisfaction with their treatment.

Suitable For

Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to involve patients in the decision-making process and ensure they have a good understanding of their treatment options. Additionally, patients who are recommended for proctectomy are typically those with rectal cancer that has not responded to other treatments, or those with advanced or recurrent disease. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or familial adenomatous polyposis may also be recommended for proctectomy. Ultimately, the decision to undergo proctectomy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the individual patient’s preferences and medical history.

Timeline

This can be exacerbated by post-operative complications such as bowel dysfunction. It is important for healthcare providers to assess patients’ health literacy and preferences for decision-making in order to provide personalized care and support to reduce feelings of regret and improve patient satisfaction after proctectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the different types of proctectomy procedures available for treating rectal cancer?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with proctectomy surgery?
  3. How will my bowel function be impacted after the surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after proctectomy?
  5. What are the long-term effects of proctectomy on my quality of life?
  6. Are there alternative treatment options to proctectomy that I should consider?
  7. How will my role in decision-making about my treatment be determined?
  8. How can I ensure that my preferences for decision-making are taken into account during the treatment process?
  9. What support services are available to help me cope with any feelings of regret or dissatisfaction after the surgery?
  10. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Joshua TG, Robitaille S, Paradis T, Maalouf MF, Feldman LS, Fiore JF Jr, Liberman S, Lee L. Journal: Surgery. 2024 Oct;176(4):1065-1071. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.05.019. Epub 2024 Jul 11. PMID: 38997862