Our Summary

This research paper discusses a condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to create heme, a component of hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This disorder can cause a person to have severe reactions to light, especially light with a wavelength of around 400 nm. These reactions can complicate surgeries.

To prevent these complications during open surgeries, surgeons use protective filters on their lights. However, the risks during laparoscopic surgeries (a type of minimally invasive surgery) are not as well understood, and the lights used in these procedures can be very bright.

To protect patients from these light-induced injuries, the researchers inserted an OG 530 filter into the laparoscopic camera system. This filter blocks light wavelengths below 470 nm. They tested this filter during three gallbladder removal surgeries and one colon surgery. The surgeries went smoothly, and the patients didn’t experience any adverse reactions, including light-induced symptoms.

The filter did slightly affect the surgeons’ color perception but didn’t significantly restrict their working conditions. The researchers believe it would be beneficial to create a more permanent fixture for this filter in the laparoscopic camera system.

FAQs

  1. What is erythropoietic protoporphyria and how does it affect surgical procedures?
  2. How does the OG 530 filter protect patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria during laparoscopic surgery?
  3. Did the use of the OG 530 filter cause any adverse reactions or restrictions during the surgical procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sigmoidectomy is to make sure to protect themselves from potential phototoxic reactions, especially if they have a condition like erythropoietic protoporphyria. This can include using protective filters on surgical equipment during the procedure to block certain wavelengths of light that may trigger a reaction. Discussing this with your healthcare team beforehand can help ensure a safe and successful surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria are typically recommended sigmoidectomy if they have complications such as severe abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or bleeding. These patients may require surgery to remove a portion of the sigmoid colon, which is the lower part of the large intestine, to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It is important for these patients to undergo surgery in a setting that minimizes the risk of phototoxic reactions, such as using protective filters on surgical equipment to block harmful wavelengths of light.

Timeline

Before sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits.
  2. Diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy, CT scans, and blood tests are conducted to confirm the need for surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes preoperative preparations including fasting, bowel prep, and consultation with an anesthesiologist.

After sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic sigmoidectomy surgery.
  2. Protective filters are employed on surgical luminaires to prevent phototoxic reactions due to erythropoietic protoporphyria.
  3. OG 530 filter is inserted in the video track to block wavelengths below 470 nm.
  4. Surgery is completed successfully without any adverse reactions or phototoxic symptoms.
  5. Postoperative care includes pain management, monitoring for complications, and recovery in the hospital.
  6. Patient is discharged and instructed on postoperative care, diet, and follow-up appointments.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will my sensitivity to light due to erythropoietic protoporphyria affect the sigmoidectomy procedure?
  2. What measures will be taken to protect me from phototoxic reactions during the laparoscopic sigmoidectomy?
  3. Will a protective filter be used on the surgical light during the procedure?
  4. Are there any specific precautions or adjustments that need to be made for my condition during the sigmoidectomy?
  5. How will the use of the OG 530 filter in the video track impact the surgical team’s ability to perform the sigmoidectomy?
  6. Are there any potential risks or complications related to my erythropoietic protoporphyria that I should be aware of before undergoing sigmoidectomy?
  7. How experienced are you and your team in performing laparoscopic sigmoidectomies on patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria?
  8. How will my recovery process be affected by my condition, and are there any additional steps I need to take to ensure a successful outcome?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options or surgical approaches that may be more suitable for my condition?
  10. What long-term considerations should I keep in mind regarding my erythropoietic protoporphyria following the sigmoidectomy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Pielaciński K, Kwasny M, Górski W, Paluszkiewicz P. Journal: Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne. 2022 Jun;17(2):385-386. doi: 10.5114/wiitm.2022.115003. Epub 2022 Jun 1. PMID: 35707342