Our Summary

This research paper is about a study done to see if a procedure called mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) can reduce the risk of infection in children who are having surgery on their colon or rectum. MBP is a process where the patient’s bowels are cleaned out before surgery. The researchers looked at previous studies where some children had MBP before their surgery and some did not. After analyzing the results, they found that there wasn’t a significant difference in the risk of infection between the two groups. This means that MBP doesn’t necessarily lower the risk of infection for children undergoing colorectal surgery. The researchers concluded that more evidence is needed before a clear decision can be made on the usefulness of MBP in this context.

FAQs

  1. What is mechanical bowel preparation (MBP)?
  2. Does MBP lower the risk of infection for children undergoing colorectal surgery?
  3. What was the conclusion of the research study on the use of MBP in colorectal surgery for children?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about colorectal surgery is to follow any pre-surgery instructions carefully, including any bowel preparation procedures. This can help reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before the procedure. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle before and after surgery can help promote healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for colorectal surgery include those with:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Diverticulitis
  • Colorectal polyps
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Colorectal trauma
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis
  • Lynch syndrome

These patients may experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia, which may prompt their healthcare provider to recommend colorectal surgery. Additionally, patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments or who have recurrent or severe symptoms may also be candidates for colorectal surgery.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and consultation with a colorectal surgeon.
  2. Patient may be required to undergo medical tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, and colonoscopy.
  3. Patient may be instructed to follow a special diet and take medications to prepare for surgery.
  4. Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) may be recommended to clean out the bowels before surgery.

After colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications.
  2. Patient may experience pain, bloating, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is gradually introduced to clear liquids and then solid foods as tolerated.
  4. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week depending on the type of surgery performed.
  5. Patient is instructed on how to care for the surgical incision and manage any potential complications.
  6. Patient may be prescribed pain medications and antibiotics to prevent infection.
  7. Patient may be advised to follow a special diet and avoid certain activities during the recovery period.
  8. Patient may require follow-up appointments with the colorectal surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with colorectal surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the surgery for my specific condition?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what can I do to aid in my recovery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of surgery?
  5. What is the experience and expertise of the surgical team that will be performing the procedure?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific dietary or lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and what will the post-operative care look like?
  9. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or treatments in the future after this procedure?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Zwart K, Van Ginkel DJ, Hulsker CCC, Witvliet MJ, Van Herwaarden-Lindeboom MYA. Journal: J Pediatr. 2018 Dec;203:288-293.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.07.057. Epub 2018 Sep 12. PMID: 30219553