Our Summary

This study tested a Chinese medicine, Wuda Granule (WDG), to see if it could help patients recover bowel function more quickly after laparoscopic bowel surgery. The patients were part of a program called ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), which aims to get patients back to normal as quickly as possible after operations.

108 patients were split into two groups: one group received WDG and the other a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect). The researchers measured the time it took for patients to first pass gas and have a bowel movement, as well as their tolerance to food and their overall gut symptoms.

The results showed that the WDG group recovered bowel function faster than the placebo group, and also had fewer gut symptoms. These improvements were particularly noticeable in males, patients under 60 years old, those who had surgery lasting less than 3 hours, and those with no history of basic disease or previous abdominal surgery. No serious side effects from WDG were reported.

In summary, adding WDG to post-surgery care could be a good method to speed up recovery of bowel function after laparoscopic bowel surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the Wuda Granule (WDG) in this study?
  2. What were the significant differences between the group that received WDG and the one that received a placebo?
  3. Were there any reported side effects from using WDG in post-surgery care?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about bowel resection is to follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated to help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, it is important to follow any post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare team, including taking any prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments. If you experience any concerning symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, or persistent nausea or vomiting, be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from bowel resection surgery include those with conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Other factors that may indicate the need for bowel resection include a perforated bowel, a bowel stricture, or a large polyp that cannot be removed through other methods. Ultimately, the decision to recommend bowel resection surgery will depend on the specific condition and individual circumstances of the patient.

Timeline

Before bowel resection:

  • Patient meets with a surgeon to discuss the need for bowel resection
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or take medications to prepare for surgery
  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic bowel surgery
  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for a few days post-surgery

After bowel resection:

  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue post-surgery
  • Patient slowly starts to resume eating and drinking
  • Patient is encouraged to walk and move around to aid in recovery
  • Patient may experience bloating, gas, and constipation as the bowel starts to function again
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are able to eat, drink, and move around comfortably
  • Patient continues to recover at home, gradually increasing activity levels
  • Patient may have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery and address any concerns

Overall, recovery from bowel resection can take several weeks to months, with the patient gradually returning to normal activities and diet. The addition of Wuda Granule in post-surgery care may help speed up the recovery of bowel function and improve overall gut symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about bowel resection include:

  1. What is a bowel resection and why is it necessary for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bowel resection surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after bowel resection surgery?
  4. Will I need any special dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. What are the signs of a complication or infection after bowel resection surgery that I should watch out for?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that could help with my recovery after bowel resection surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  8. How can I best prepare for bowel resection surgery, both mentally and physically?
  9. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may affect my recovery after bowel resection surgery?
  10. Can I participate in an ERAS program like the one mentioned in the study to help speed up my recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Zeng HP, Cao LX, Diao DC, Wen ZH, Ouyang WW, Ou AH, Wan J, Peng ZJ, Wang W, Chen ZQ. Journal: Chin J Integr Med. 2024 Dec;30(12):1059-1067. doi: 10.1007/s11655-024-3813-6. Epub 2024 Sep 10. PMID: 39251465