Our Summary

This research paper looks at the outcomes after a type of surgery called sigmoidectomy, which is done for two different diseases: diverticulitis (inflammation in the intestine) and colon cancer. The researchers used a national database to find patients who had this surgery between 2004 and 2011. They only included patients who chose to have the surgery (it wasn’t an emergency), and who didn’t have advanced cancer or severe weight loss before surgery. They then matched the diverticulitis and colon cancer patients so they were similar in age, gender, race, type of surgery (open or keyhole), and other health issues.

They found that the overall rate of complications from the surgery was 17.7%, and less than 1% of patients died in hospital. Patients with diverticulitis were more likely to have an infection at the surgical site, an abscess in the abdomen, and to need another operation compared to those with colon cancer. However, patients with colon cancer were more likely to get pneumonia and to have a leak at the point where the surgeon had rejoined the intestine. There was no difference in rates of blood poisoning, clot in the legs, breathing or kidney failure, bleeding, overall complications, or how long patients stayed in hospital.

When the researchers looked at it in more detail, they found that patients with colon cancer were more likely to die in hospital, regardless of whether they had open or keyhole surgery.

In simple terms, the study suggests that while the surgery for diverticulitis has a higher risk of infection, the surgery for colon cancer has a higher risk of leakage at the surgical site.

FAQs

  1. What is a sigmoidectomy and what diseases is it used to treat?
  2. What were the major findings of this study on the outcomes of sigmoidectomy surgery?
  3. Were there any differences in the risk of complications for patients with diverticulitis compared to those with colon cancer after a sigmoidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sigmoidectomy is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to minimize the risk of complications such as infection or leakage at the surgical site. This may include taking prescribed antibiotics, maintaining proper hygiene, and avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the healing surgical site. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery progress.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sigmoidectomy are those with either diverticulitis or colon cancer who have not advanced cancer or severe weight loss before surgery. These patients must also be stable enough to undergo elective surgery, rather than requiring emergency surgery. Additionally, patients must be willing to undergo the procedure and have discussed the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before sigmoidectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with either diverticulitis or colon cancer
  • Patient and doctor discuss treatment options, including the possibility of sigmoidectomy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient is admitted to the hospital

After sigmoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part of the sigmoid colon
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-surgery
  • Patient is monitored for complications such as infection, leakage, pneumonia, or blood clots
  • Patient may require additional surgeries or treatments depending on the outcome
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and begins the recovery process
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes and follow-up with their doctor for monitoring and follow-up care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of sigmoidectomy surgery for my specific condition (diverticulitis or colon cancer)?
  2. How experienced are you in performing sigmoidectomy surgeries?
  3. What is the success rate of sigmoidectomy surgery for my condition?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or procedures after the sigmoidectomy surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with sigmoidectomy surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. What are the signs and symptoms of potential complications that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to sigmoidectomy that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Ilyas MI, Zangbar B, Nfonsam VN, Maegawa FA, Joseph BA, Patel JA, Wexner SD. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2017 Mar;19(3):260-265. doi: 10.1111/codi.13461. PMID: 27422847