Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted to understand the long-term results of a specific type of surgery, called laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (LS), for a form of cancer known as adenocarcinoma. The study was performed on 173 patients between 2003 and 2021, but those who already had distant metastases (meaning the cancer had spread to other parts of the body) were excluded.

The study found that there were some complications after the surgery, but they were relatively rare. Two patients had issues with the connections made in their intestines during the surgery, and these were fixed with another surgical procedure. On average, about 14 lymph nodes were removed during each operation. There was a relatively low rate of cancer recurrence or metastasis after the surgery, and the survival rates five and ten years after the surgery were quite high.

The study concluded that LS is a safe and effective method for treating adenocarcinoma, possibly reducing complications during and after surgery. The authors, however, recommend further studies with more patients to confirm these results.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (LS) and what type of cancer is it used to treat?
  2. What were the long-term results of the laparoscopic sigmoidectomy study conducted between 2003 and 2021?
  3. What complications were observed after the laparoscopic sigmoidectomy surgery and how were they resolved?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sigmoidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain activities, and maintaining a healthy diet. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sigmoidectomy are those who have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the lining of the colon or rectum. In particular, patients with localized adenocarcinoma in the sigmoid colon, which is the lower part of the colon closest to the rectum, may be candidates for sigmoidectomy.

Additionally, patients who have not yet developed distant metastases may be considered for sigmoidectomy. Metastases refer to the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body, and patients with metastatic disease may require different treatment approaches.

Overall, patients who are in relatively good health and able to undergo surgery, as well as those with localized adenocarcinoma in the sigmoid colon, are typically recommended sigmoidectomy as a treatment option. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Timeline

Before sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with adenocarcinoma.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare team and decides to undergo sigmoidectomy.
  4. Patient prepares for surgery by following any pre-operative instructions given by their healthcare team.

After sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic sigmoidectomy surgery to remove the affected part of the colon.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital post-surgery for any complications or issues.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are stable and able to recover at home.
  4. Patient follows post-operative instructions, including taking medications, managing pain, and gradually resuming normal activities.
  5. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor recovery and check for any signs of cancer recurrence.
  6. Long-term follow-up shows low rates of complications, cancer recurrence, and high survival rates five and ten years after the surgery.
  7. Patient may undergo additional treatments or procedures as needed based on follow-up evaluations.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sigmoidectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after sigmoidectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet after the surgery?
  4. What is the likelihood of the cancer recurring or spreading after sigmoidectomy surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides sigmoidectomy surgery?
  6. How many surgeries of this type have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. What is the expected outcome in terms of quality of life after sigmoidectomy surgery?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments or tests to monitor my condition after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with sigmoidectomy surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Balla A, Saraceno F, Guida A, Scaramuzzo R, Corallino D, Ettorre GM, Lepiane P. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2023 Apr;33(4):397-403. doi: 10.1089/lap.2022.0565. Epub 2023 Jan 30. PMID: 36716190