Our Summary

This research paper looked at the rates of complications after two types of surgery for bowel issues. These complications are called adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can cause parts of the intestines to stick together, leading to blockages (small bowel obstruction). The researchers compared two types of surgery: laparoscopic (which involves making small incisions and using a camera to guide the surgery) and open surgery (which involves making a large cut). They found that patients who had laparoscopic surgery were less likely to be readmitted to hospital due to adhesions and less likely to need further surgery to treat these adhesions, compared to those who had open surgery. In other words, the less invasive laparoscopic surgery led to fewer complications down the line.

FAQs

  1. What are adhesions and why are they a complication after bowel surgery?
  2. What is the difference between laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for bowel issues?
  3. According to the research, which type of surgery leads to fewer complications and readmissions related to adhesions?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about colorectal surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, avoiding heavy lifting, and maintaining a healthy diet to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended colorectal surgery include those with:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Diverticulitis
  • Bowel obstructions
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Severe hemorrhoids
  • Fecal incontinence

Overall, colorectal surgery may be recommended for patients who have not responded to other treatments, have severe symptoms, or have a high risk of developing complications. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the specific condition and the individual patient’s health and circumstances.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery:

  • Patient meets with a colorectal surgeon to discuss treatment options and decide on the best course of action.
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative testing such as blood work, imaging scans, and colonoscopy.
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet and bowel preparation regimen to clean out the colon before surgery.
  • Patient may attend pre-operative education sessions to learn about what to expect during and after surgery.

After colorectal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgery, either laparoscopic or open, to address the colorectal issue.
  • Patient may spend a few days in the hospital for recovery and monitoring.
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue in the days following surgery.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may need to follow a specific diet or take medication as prescribed by the surgeon.
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and function.
  • Patient may experience improvements in symptoms related to their colorectal issue and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with colorectal surgery?
  2. What is the difference between laparoscopic and open surgery for colorectal issues?
  3. What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery for my specific condition?
  4. How long is the recovery time for each type of surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of each type of surgery for treating my condition?
  6. Will I need any additional treatments or procedures after the surgery?
  7. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  8. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  9. What dietary and lifestyle changes will I need to make post-surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ha GW, Lee MR, Kim JH. Journal: Am J Surg. 2016 Sep;212(3):527-36. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.02.019. Epub 2016 May 10. PMID: 27427294