Our Summary

This study compares two types of robotic surgeries used to remove cancerous growths in the colon: right colectomy (removal of the right side of the colon) and left colectomy (removal of the left side of the colon). The researchers looked at over 13,500 patients who had these procedures and compared various outcomes.

They found that patients who had the right colectomy had a slightly higher chance (10%) of developing ileus, a condition that slows or stops the movement of food through the intestines, compared to those who had the left colectomy (7%). However, the right colectomy also had a shorter operation time by about 23 minutes on average.

The researchers didn’t find any significant differences between the two procedures in terms of other outcomes, such as the need to switch to open surgery, blood loss, wound infection, leakage at the surgical site, need for reoperation, re-admission to the hospital, or length of hospital stay.

So, in summary, this research suggests that while right colectomy has a slightly higher risk for ileus, it is also associated with a shorter operation time.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between a right colectomy and a left colectomy?
  2. What is the risk of developing ileus after a right colectomy compared to a left colectomy?
  3. Did the study find any significant differences in outcomes between the two types of colectomy surgeries, such as need for reoperation or length of hospital stay?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing a colectomy to be aware of the potential risk of developing ileus, especially if they are having a right colectomy. They may recommend taking steps to prevent ileus, such as early mobilization after surgery, staying hydrated, and following a recommended diet plan. It is important for the patient to communicate any symptoms they may be experiencing, such as bloating, abdominal pain, or decreased bowel movements, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for colectomy include those with:

  • Colon cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Severe colon polyps
  • Diverticulitis (inflammation or infection of small pouches that form in the colon)
  • Colonic inertia (a condition where the colon fails to contract normally)
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (an inherited condition that causes multiple colon polyps)
  • Lynch syndrome (an inherited condition that increases the risk of colon cancer)

Timeline

Before colectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a condition such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or bowel preparation regimen
  • Patient meets with their surgical team to discuss the procedure and potential risks and benefits

After colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove part or all of the colon
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue post-operatively
  • Patient is monitored closely for complications such as infection, bleeding, or bowel obstruction
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week for recovery
  • Patient will gradually resume eating and drinking and may need to adjust their diet to accommodate for the changes in their digestive system
  • Patient may need to follow up with their surgical team for monitoring and potential adjuvant treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about colectomy may include:

  1. What type of colectomy do you recommend for my specific case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the colectomy procedure?
  3. How long is the typical recovery time after a colectomy?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  5. What are the chances of developing ileus after a right colectomy compared to a left colectomy?
  6. How will my pain be managed after the surgery?
  7. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or treatments in the future after a colectomy?
  8. What is the success rate of the colectomy procedure for treating my condition?
  9. How experienced are you and your surgical team in performing colectomy procedures?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before deciding on a colectomy?

Reference

Authors: Solis-Pazmino P, Oka K, La K, Termeie O, Ponce O, Figueroa L, Weston A, Machry M, Cohen J, Barnajian M, Nasseri Y. Journal: J Robot Surg. 2023 Oct;17(5):1907-1915. doi: 10.1007/s11701-023-01649-0. Epub 2023 Jun 13. PMID: 37310528