Our Summary

This research paper studies the use of painkillers in patients after gastrointestinal surgery. The study found that patients who had a less invasive type of surgery (minimally invasive or MIS) for a condition called diverticular disease needed less painkillers compared to those who had traditional, open surgery. They also began taking oral painkillers sooner after the surgery. Among the minimally invasive surgeries, the ones conducted with the help of a robot used even less painkillers. The conclusion is that patients undergoing less invasive surgeries for diverticular disease need fewer painkillers and can start taking them orally sooner after the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the main finding of the research paper on the use of painkillers after gastrointestinal surgery?
  2. Do patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery for diverticular disease use less painkillers compared to those who had traditional surgery?
  3. Among the minimally invasive surgeries, which ones required the least amount of painkillers?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing sigmoidectomy is to consider a minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgery, as this can lead to less pain and a quicker recovery. This approach may help reduce the amount of painkillers needed post-surgery and allow for a faster transition to oral pain medications.

Suitable For

Patients who have diverticular disease and require surgery, specifically a sigmoidectomy, are typically recommended for minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. These patients may also have a history of repeated episodes of diverticulitis, complications such as abscesses or fistulas, or other medical conditions that make them better candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as antibiotics or dietary changes may also be recommended for sigmoidectomy. Overall, the goal of sigmoidectomy is to remove the affected portion of the colon and alleviate symptoms associated with diverticular disease.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after sigmoidectomy:

Before sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a condition such as diverticular disease that requires surgical intervention.
  2. Consultation with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, risks, and benefits of sigmoidectomy.
  3. Pre-operative preparation, including tests, medications, and dietary restrictions.
  4. Admission to the hospital on the day of surgery.

During sigmoidectomy:

  1. Surgery is performed to remove part of the sigmoid colon affected by the condition.
  2. Patient is monitored closely during and after the surgery for any complications.

After sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient is transferred to a recovery area to wake up from anesthesia.
  2. Pain management begins, typically through intravenous painkillers in the immediate post-operative period.
  3. Patient is gradually transitioned to oral painkillers as needed.
  4. Monitoring for any post-operative complications, such as infection or bowel obstruction.
  5. Gradual resumption of normal activities and diet under the guidance of healthcare providers.
  6. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  7. Recovery period, which may vary depending on the individual’s overall health and the extent of the surgery.
  8. Improvement in symptoms related to the underlying condition, such as abdominal pain or bowel irregularities.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after sigmoidectomy involves pre-operative preparation, the surgical procedure itself, post-operative pain management, monitoring for complications, and gradual recovery and return to normal activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending a sigmoidectomy in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sigmoidectomy surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after sigmoidectomy surgery?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of sigmoidectomy surgery for my condition?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with sigmoidectomy?
  7. How will my pain be managed after the surgery?
  8. What is the expected outcome or prognosis after sigmoidectomy surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bastawrous AL, Shih IF, Li Y, Cleary RK. Journal: Am J Surg. 2020 Aug;220(2):421-427. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.11.030. Epub 2019 Dec 1. PMID: 31810518