Our Summary

This study looked at the effects of multiple bowel surgeries on patients with advanced ovarian cancer. It found that patients who had more than one bowel operation had more complications and needed more additional treatments than those who only had one surgery. However, the use of chemotherapy before surgery reduced the need for multiple operations. This suggests that pre-surgery chemotherapy could help improve post-surgery results for these patients.

FAQs

  1. What was the main finding of the study on the effects of multiple bowel surgeries on patients with advanced ovarian cancer?
  2. How does pre-surgery chemotherapy impact the need for multiple operations in patients with advanced ovarian cancer?
  3. Does having more than one bowel operation increase the need for additional treatments in patients with advanced ovarian cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about bowel resection is to follow a healthy, high-fiber diet after surgery to help promote proper bowel function and prevent constipation. It is also important to stay hydrated and gradually reintroduce solid foods back into your diet as recommended by your healthcare provider. Additionally, regular exercise can help improve bowel motility and overall recovery after surgery. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions closely and communicate any concerns or changes in your symptoms promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended bowel resection include those with:

  1. Colon or rectal cancer
  2. Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  3. Diverticulitis
  4. Bowel obstruction
  5. Bowel perforation
  6. Traumatic injury to the bowel
  7. Intestinal ischemia
  8. Intestinal polyps or tumors

It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine if bowel resection is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before bowel resection:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a condition requiring bowel resection, such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to assess their overall health and determine the best course of treatment.
  3. Patient may receive chemotherapy or other treatments to shrink the tumor or manage symptoms before surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes the bowel resection surgery, which involves removing a portion of the affected bowel.
  5. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for any complications or side effects of the surgery.

After bowel resection:

  1. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the abdominal area post-surgery.
  2. Patient is gradually started on a clear liquid diet and then advanced to solid foods as tolerated.
  3. Patient may have a temporary colostomy or ileostomy to allow the bowel to heal, which may require additional care and management.
  4. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their recovery and address any concerns or complications.
  5. Patient may undergo additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to further manage their condition and reduce the risk of recurrence.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and adjusts to any changes in bowel function or lifestyle following the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Why do I need a bowel resection surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to make any dietary or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of bowel resection surgery for my condition?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. How many bowel surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  9. How will bowel resection surgery affect my quality of life in the long term?
  10. Are there any specific steps I should take to prepare for the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Tozzi R, Casarin J, Baysal A, Pinelli C, Matak L, Ghanbarzadeh N, Alazzam M, Garruto-Campanile R, Majd HS, Kilic Y, Morotti M. Journal: Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2019 Sep;240:215-219. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.07.011. Epub 2019 Jul 13. PMID: 31326636