Our Summary

This study looks at the difference in outcomes between two types of urgent colon removal surgeries: minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery. They looked at data from nearly 30,000 patients who underwent these surgeries between 2013 and 2018.

The study found that about 43% of patients had the MIS surgery, while around 57% had open surgery. The patients who had the MIS surgery were slightly younger and generally healthier.

After analyzing the data, the study found that patients who had MIS surgery were less likely to die and had fewer short-term complications than those who had open surgery. Although the MIS surgery took a bit longer to perform (about 20 minutes more), patients who underwent this surgery spent fewer days in the hospital.

The researchers conclude that MIS surgery has better outcomes and patients spend less time in the hospital compared to open surgery. Therefore, if it’s possible, MIS should be offered to patients who need urgent colon removal surgery.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of urgent colon removal surgeries mentioned in the study?
  2. What findings were made in the study about the outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared to open surgery?
  3. Based on the study’s conclusion, what type of surgery should be offered to patients who need urgent colon removal surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing a colectomy to consider minimally invasive surgery (MIS) over open surgery, as studies have shown that MIS can lead to better outcomes, lower risk of complications, and shorter hospital stays. It is important to discuss the options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended colectomy include those with conditions such as:

  1. Colon cancer: Patients with colon cancer may require colectomy as part of their treatment plan, especially if the cancer has spread or is causing blockages in the colon.

  2. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Patients with severe cases of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may need a colectomy if medications and other treatments are not effective in controlling their symptoms.

  3. Diverticulitis: Severe cases of diverticulitis, an inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon, may require colectomy if medications and other treatments do not improve the condition.

  4. Colonic polyps: Patients with large or precancerous colonic polyps may require colectomy to remove the polyps and reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

  5. Colonic obstruction: Patients with a blockage in the colon, such as from a tumor or severe inflammation, may need colectomy to remove the obstruction and prevent complications.

  6. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): Patients with FAP, a genetic condition that causes numerous polyps in the colon, may require colectomy to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Overall, colectomy may be recommended for patients with a variety of conditions that affect the colon and require surgical intervention for treatment or prevention of complications.

Timeline

Before colectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy, CT scans, and blood tests
  • After a diagnosis of a condition such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease, the decision for colectomy is made
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation including bowel cleansing and dietary restrictions

After colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery, either open or minimally invasive
  • Recovery in the hospital for a few days to a week
  • Gradual reintroduction of food and activity
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any complications
  • Long-term adjustments to diet and lifestyle to manage changes in bowel function

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after colectomy involves a period of symptom management, diagnosis, surgery, hospitalization, and recovery. The goal is to improve quality of life and manage any underlying conditions that led to the need for colectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with colectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be after colectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need a temporary or permanent stoma after the surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. How many colectomy surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to colectomy that I should consider?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. Will I need to take any medications or undergo any additional treatments after the surgery?
  10. What should I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and potential complications after colectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hajirawala LN, Krishnan V, Leonardi C, Bevier-Rawls ER, Orangio GR, Davis KG, Klinger AL, Barton JS. Journal: JSLS. 2022 Jan-Mar;26(1):e2021.00075. doi: 10.4293/JSLS.2021.00075. PMID: 35281708