Our Summary

This research paper is about the use of artificial intelligence chatbots to educate patients about colorectal diseases. Researchers looked at studies about chatbots used in educating patients about colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other colorectal conditions. They found that chatbots, especially one called ChatGPT, can help educate patients by giving them easy-to-understand information. However, chatbots are not so good at explaining complex medical issues. This means they can help, but they can’t replace professional medical advice. The researchers suggest that future work should focus on improving how chatbots respond, to make sure they can effectively support patient education while still recognizing the important role of healthcare providers.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the research paper about colorectal surgery?
  2. How can chatbots like ChatGPT assist in educating patients about colorectal diseases?
  3. What are the limitations of using chatbots for patient education in complex medical issues like colorectal diseases?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about colorectal surgery is to carefully follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team. This may include dietary restrictions, medications to avoid, and any necessary bowel preparation. Adhering to these instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended colorectal surgery include those with:

  1. Colorectal cancer: Patients with colorectal cancer may need surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue, especially if the cancer has spread or is at an advanced stage.

  2. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Patients with severe cases of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may require surgery to remove damaged portions of the intestines or to create a stoma.

  3. Diverticulitis: Patients with severe cases of diverticulitis may need surgery to remove infected or inflamed diverticula (small pouches that develop in the colon).

  4. Rectal prolapse: Patients with rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes through the anus, may require surgery to repair the prolapse and restore normal bowel function.

  5. Colorectal polyps: Patients with large or precancerous colorectal polyps may need surgery to remove the polyps and reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

  6. Anal fistulas or abscesses: Patients with recurring anal fistulas or abscesses may require surgery to drain the abscess or create a fistulotomy to promote healing.

  7. Severe hemorrhoids: Patients with severe hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative treatments may need surgery to remove the hemorrhoids or reduce blood flow to the affected area.

Overall, patients recommended for colorectal surgery are those who have tried conservative treatments without success or those with serious complications or risks associated with their condition. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and weight loss.
  2. Patient visits a primary care physician who may recommend further testing such as a colonoscopy or imaging studies.
  3. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of colorectal disease.
  4. Patient consults with a colorectal surgeon to discuss treatment options and the possibility of surgery.
  5. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation including bowel cleansing and dietary restrictions.

After colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove diseased tissue and repair the affected area of the colon or rectum.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital for complications such as infection, bleeding, or bowel obstruction.
  3. Patient receives post-operative care including pain management, wound care, and physical therapy.
  4. Patient may need to use a colostomy or ileostomy bag temporarily to allow the bowels to heal.
  5. Patient follows up with the colorectal surgeon for monitoring of recovery and potential complications.
  6. Patient undergoes rehabilitation and dietary adjustments to promote healing and prevent recurrence of colorectal disease.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about colorectal surgery include:

  1. What is the reason for recommending colorectal surgery?
  2. What are the different types of colorectal surgery available and which one is recommended for my condition?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with colorectal surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery period after colorectal surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  5. What are the success rates of colorectal surgery for my condition?
  6. Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
  7. How should I prepare for colorectal surgery, both physically and mentally?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make before or after the surgery?
  9. How frequently will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  10. What are the long-term effects or potential complications of colorectal surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Garcia Garcia L, Emile SH, Linkeshwaran L, Wignakumar A, Wexner SD. Journal: Surgery. 2025 Jul;183:109393. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2025.109393. Epub 2025 May 9. PMID: 40347684