Our Summary

After surgery, doctors often use NSAIDs (drugs like ibuprofen) to help patients recover faster and limit the use of stronger, riskier drugs like opioids. However, there are concerns that NSAIDs might interfere with the healing of surgical wounds, particularly in surgeries involving the joining of two parts of the colon (anastomosis). This could potentially lead to leakage from the site of the surgery.

To investigate this, a large number of studies were analysed, involving over 26,000 patients. The results showed that patients who did not take NSAIDs after surgery had fewer issues with wound healing. The type of NSAID also seemed to make a difference - ’non-selective’ NSAIDs were more likely to cause problems, while ‘selective’ NSAIDs didn’t seem to affect wound healing.

The key takeaway is that while NSAIDs can help patients recover more quickly after surgery, they might also increase the risk of complications, especially if the ’non-selective’ types are used. More research is needed though, particularly to investigate the effects of ‘selective’ NSAIDs.

FAQs

  1. Do NSAIDs interfere with wound healing after colorectal surgery?
  2. What is the difference between ’non-selective’ and ‘selective’ NSAIDs in terms of their effect on wound healing?
  3. Is more research needed to fully understand the effects of ‘selective’ NSAIDs on post-surgery recovery?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor about the use of NSAIDs after colorectal surgery and weigh the potential benefits against the risks. It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely and monitor your wound healing carefully to catch any issues early on. Always communicate any concerns or changes in your condition to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended colorectal surgery include those with conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and severe hemorrhoids. Additionally, patients with certain hereditary conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome may also require colorectal surgery. Overall, the decision to undergo colorectal surgery is based on the specific condition, severity of symptoms, and overall health of the patient.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery, a patient will typically undergo a series of pre-operative tests and consultations to assess their overall health and prepare for the procedure. This may include blood tests, imaging scans, and meetings with the surgical team to discuss the surgery and post-operative care.

During the surgery, the patient will be placed under general anesthesia and the surgeon will remove the affected part of the colon or rectum. In some cases, a temporary or permanent colostomy may be created to divert waste from the body.

After the surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room. Pain management, wound care, and early mobilization are important aspects of post-operative care to prevent complications and promote healing.

In the days following surgery, the patient will gradually resume eating and drinking, begin walking, and may receive physical therapy to aid in recovery. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team will be scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Overall, the timeline for recovery after colorectal surgery can vary depending on the individual patient and the specific procedure performed. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. Will I be prescribed NSAIDs after surgery for pain management? If so, what type of NSAID will be used?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with taking NSAIDs after colorectal surgery?
  3. Are there alternative pain management options that do not involve the use of NSAIDs?
  4. How will NSAIDs affect the healing of my surgical wound, especially if I have undergone an anastomosis procedure?
  5. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may make me more susceptible to complications from taking NSAIDs after surgery?
  6. How closely will my recovery be monitored to ensure that any potential issues with wound healing are promptly addressed?
  7. Are there any signs or symptoms that I should watch out for that may indicate a problem with wound healing while taking NSAIDs?
  8. Will I need to adjust my NSAID dosage or stop taking them altogether if complications arise during my recovery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce the risk of complications while taking NSAIDs after surgery?
  10. Are there any additional studies or research findings that I should be aware of regarding the use of NSAIDs after colorectal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Huang Y, Tang SR, Young CJ. Journal: ANZ J Surg. 2018 Oct;88(10):959-965. doi: 10.1111/ans.14322. Epub 2017 Nov 22. PMID: 29164809