Our Summary

This research is about a common abdominal disorder called diverticulitis. The best treatment for this disease is still being debated, especially for those who experience recurring episodes. There’s also not much information on how different treatment methods affect the patient’s quality of life. This study, called PREDIC-DIV, aims to identify what factors can predict changes in the patient’s quality of life after they undergo a specific surgical procedure for diverticular disease.

This study, which started in November 2017, involves multiple medical centers across different countries. It focuses on patients who voluntarily undergo a surgical procedure called sigmoid resection for their diverticular disease. The main goal is to assess the patient’s quality of life six months after the surgery using a specific scoring system.

The study also looks into other factors like the patient’s quality of life six months after the surgery using different evaluation methods, quality of life after 12 and 24 months, complications after the surgery, death rates, the effect of the surgical method used, the level of inflammation and features of the resected bowel, changes in bowel and urinary control, and sexual function after surgery. It also studies the costs related to the disease and changes in the patient’s productivity.

The study will follow-up with the patients for two years. The research plan was approved by a medical ethics committee and follows the Declaration of Helsinki. The findings will be submitted to various medical journals and presented at relevant conferences. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov.

FAQs

  1. What is the main goal of the PREDIC-DIV research study?
  2. What factors are being evaluated in the PREDIC-DIV study to assess the quality of life of patients after sigmoid resection surgery?
  3. How long will patients be followed up with after their surgery in the PREDIC-DIV study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sigmoidectomy is to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the medical team carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet, and avoiding certain activities to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sigmoidectomy are those who have recurrent diverticulitis that does not respond to conservative treatments such as antibiotics or dietary changes. Sigmoidectomy is often considered for patients with severe diverticulitis complications such as abscesses, fistulas, or perforations. Additionally, patients who have chronic symptoms such as persistent pain, bowel obstruction, or bleeding may also be candidates for sigmoidectomy. Patients who have complications from diverticular disease such as strictures or fistulas may also benefit from sigmoidectomy. Ultimately, the decision to recommend sigmoidectomy is made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

  1. Before sigmoidectomy:
  • Patient is diagnosed with diverticulitis, a common abdominal disorder.
  • Patient may have recurring episodes of diverticulitis.
  • Patient may undergo various treatments, including medication, dietary changes, and potentially surgery.
  • Patient may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and fever.
  1. During sigmoidectomy:
  • Patient undergoes a surgical procedure called sigmoid resection to treat diverticular disease.
  • The surgery involves removing part of the sigmoid colon where the diverticula are located.
  1. After sigmoidectomy:
  • Patient is monitored for complications and recovery post-surgery.
  • Patient may experience changes in bowel and urinary control, as well as sexual function.
  • Patient’s quality of life is assessed using specific scoring systems.
  • Follow-up evaluations are conducted at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery to evaluate the patient’s quality of life, complications, and overall health.
  • The study aims to identify factors that can predict changes in the patient’s quality of life post-surgery.
  • The findings will be published in medical journals and presented at conferences to contribute to the understanding of treatment options for diverticular disease.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis include:

  1. What are the potential benefits of undergoing a sigmoidectomy for my diverticular disease?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How will the surgery affect my quality of life in the short term and long term?
  4. How will my bowel and urinary control be affected after the surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  6. How will the surgical method used impact the outcomes of the procedure?
  7. What are the potential costs associated with the surgery and post-operative care?
  8. How will the surgery affect my ability to work or engage in daily activities?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing a sigmoidectomy?
  10. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with diverticular disease, and what factors may affect the outcome?

These questions can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options and understand the potential impact of a sigmoidectomy on their quality of life.

Reference

Authors: Sohn M, Agha A, Iesalnieks I, Bremer S, Trum S, Di Cerbo F, Nerlich A, Lotz N, Klieser E, Hochrein A, Schredl P, Kalcheva D, Emmanuel K, Presl J. Journal: BMJ Open. 2020 Mar 24;10(3):e034385. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034385. PMID: 32209628