Our Summary

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that is usually treated with medication. However, in severe cases or when the disease doesn’t respond to medication, a colectomy (surgery to remove part or all of the colon) may be necessary. In the past, a lot of patients with UC had to have this surgery, but recent research shows that the number of colectomies has decreased.

In this study, the researchers looked at data from a national database to see how the number of colectomies for UC patients has changed between 2007 and 2016. They found that the number of colectomies decreased by 46% over this period.

The study also looked at the costs of hospital stays for UC patients. They found that the average cost of a hospital stay for a UC patient decreased by $2898, but the charges increased by $26,554. The length of the hospital stay also decreased by 2.2 days.

In conclusion, the study found that fewer UC patients are needing colectomies, likely because medical treatments have improved. This has also led to shorter hospital stays and lower costs, although charges have increased.

FAQs

  1. What is a colectomy and why might it be necessary for ulcerative colitis patients?
  2. How has the number of colectomies performed on ulcerative colitis patients changed over the years?
  3. How have the costs and length of hospital stays for ulcerative colitis patients changed over time?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about colectomy is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods that may cause discomfort, and gradually increasing physical activity as advised by the healthcare team. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the healthcare provider. Following these instructions can help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes after colectomy surgery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients with severe UC who do not respond to medication or have complications such as megacolon, toxic colitis, or perforation may be recommended for colectomy. Additionally, patients with a high risk of developing colon cancer due to long-standing UC may also be recommended for colectomy as a preventative measure. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before colectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Patient may try various medications to manage symptoms, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologics
  • If medications are not effective or if the disease is severe, surgery may be recommended
  • Patient may undergo preoperative testing and preparation for surgery

After colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the colon
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a period of time to recover
  • Patient may experience temporary or permanent changes in bowel habits
  • Patient may need to make adjustments to their diet and lifestyle post-surgery
  • Patient may require ongoing medical care and monitoring to manage their condition

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after colectomy involves a period of managing symptoms with medication, considering and preparing for surgery, undergoing the surgery itself, and then adjusting to life post-surgery with potential changes in bowel habits and ongoing medical care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the specific reasons why a colectomy may be necessary for my ulcerative colitis?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a colectomy surgery?

  3. How will my quality of life be impacted after having a colectomy?

  4. Are there alternative treatment options to consider before deciding on a colectomy?

  5. How long is the recovery period after a colectomy surgery?

  6. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?

  7. What is the success rate of colectomy surgeries for ulcerative colitis patients?

  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments or monitoring after the surgery?

  9. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of after having a colectomy?

  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with a colorectal surgeon before proceeding with a colectomy?

Reference

Authors: Ghoz H, Kesler A, Hoogenboom SA, Gavi F, Brahmbhatt B, Cangemi J, Kröner PT. Journal: J Gastrointest Surg. 2020 Feb;24(2):270-277. doi: 10.1007/s11605-019-04474-9. Epub 2019 Dec 3. PMID: 31797257