Our Summary

The research study looked into whether there was a connection between death after surgery and a procedure called bowel resection in patients with a specific type of hernia called an obturator hernia. They looked at 21 patients over 9 years who had emergency surgery for this condition. The patients were mostly elderly women. They found that there were complications in some of the surgeries, and three people died after surgery. They found that the risk of dying after surgery was higher if there were complications or if the patient had a bowel resection. The surgery took longer for those who had a bowel resection and these patients also had more complications after surgery. The researchers highlighted the importance of careful post-surgery care for patients who have a bowel resection, as they may have higher death rates. They mention that as the population gets older, we may see more patients with this type of hernia.

FAQs

  1. What is the connection between bowel resection and death after surgery according to the research study?
  2. What were the common complications found in the surgeries for obturator hernia?
  3. Why is careful post-surgery care important for patients who have undergone a bowel resection?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing bowel resection surgery to follow their post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities. They may also advise the patient to watch for any signs of complications, such as fever, increased pain, or changes in bowel habits, and to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur. It is important for patients to communicate openly with their healthcare team and to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended bowel resection are those who have certain conditions or diseases that affect the bowel, such as:

  1. Colon cancer: Bowel resection may be recommended as part of the treatment for colon cancer to remove the affected portion of the colon.

  2. Crohn’s disease: In severe cases of Crohn’s disease where medication and other treatments have not been effective, bowel resection may be necessary to remove diseased portions of the bowel.

  3. Diverticulitis: Severe cases of diverticulitis, where there are complications such as perforation or abscess, may require bowel resection.

  4. Bowel obstruction: In cases of bowel obstruction that cannot be relieved with less invasive treatments, bowel resection may be necessary to remove the blockage.

  5. Trauma: In cases of traumatic injury to the bowel, such as from a severe accident or gunshot wound, bowel resection may be needed to repair the damage.

  6. Ischemic bowel disease: In cases of ischemic bowel disease, where there is reduced blood flow to the bowel leading to tissue death, bowel resection may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the bowel.

  7. Strangulated hernia: In cases of a strangulated hernia, where a portion of the bowel becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off, bowel resection may be needed to remove the affected portion of the bowel.

It is important to note that bowel resection is a major surgery and is typically recommended when other treatment options have been unsuccessful or when there is a significant risk to the patient’s health if the affected portion of the bowel is not removed.

Timeline

Before bowel resection:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms of an obturator hernia, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies, to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Surgery is recommended as the treatment for the obturator hernia.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, such as fasting and medication adjustments.
  5. Bowel resection is planned as part of the surgical procedure to repair the hernia.

After bowel resection:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery for bowel resection as part of the hernia repair.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the post-operative period for any complications, such as infection or bowel obstruction.
  3. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits after the surgery.
  4. Patient receives post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, and physical therapy.
  5. Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are stable and able to resume normal activities.
  6. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for regular monitoring and follow-up care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a bowel resection and why is it necessary in the case of an obturator hernia?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bowel resection surgery?

  3. How long does the surgery typically take and what is the recovery process like for patients who undergo a bowel resection?

  4. What can I expect in terms of post-surgery care and follow-up appointments after a bowel resection?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to bowel resection that I should consider?

  6. How often do complications occur in patients who undergo bowel resection surgery for an obturator hernia?

  7. What steps can I take to minimize my risk of complications and improve my chances of a successful recovery after bowel resection surgery?

  8. How will having a bowel resection surgery impact my long-term health and quality of life?

  9. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for after surgery that may indicate a potential complication or issue?

  10. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make to support my recovery after bowel resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hisamatsu Y, Yamagata M, Miyazaki M, Wang H, Tanaka S, Yoshida T, Fukuda A, Sonoda T. Journal: Hernia. 2019 Apr;23(2):317-322. doi: 10.1007/s10029-018-1835-8. Epub 2018 Oct 16. PMID: 30327983