Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on the use of robotic surgery for colorectal conditions (related to the colon and rectum) between January 2014 and April 2015. The researchers looked back at data they had collected from 101 patients who had undergone this type of surgery during that time period. The average age of the patients was 56 and they were mostly overweight. The reasons for these surgeries were either cancer, diverticulitis (an inflammation or infection in the digestive tract), or other non-cancerous diseases.

The most common procedure was a sigmoidectomy (removal of part of the large intestine), followed by a low anterior resection (surgery to remove part of the rectum), and other types of surgeries. The average time for the surgery and setup of the robot was 226 minutes and 3 minutes, respectively. On average, 19 lymph nodes were removed during the surgery. Patients usually stayed in the hospital for 3 days after the surgery.

There were a few complications - one patient had a leak at the surgical join, and two had infections at the surgical site. However, the researchers concluded that robotic colorectal surgery is safe and can be effectively performed.

FAQs

  1. What was the most common procedure performed during the robotic colorectal surgery study?
  2. What were the average surgery and setup times for the robotic surgeries conducted between January 2014 and April 2015?
  3. What complications were observed in the patients who underwent robotic colorectal surgery during the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about colorectal surgery is to closely follow the pre-operative instructions provided by the surgical team. This may include fasting before the surgery, taking certain medications as directed, and preparing the bowel as instructed. Following these guidelines can help reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or questions with the healthcare team before the procedure to ensure a successful outcome.

Suitable For

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

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Diverticulitis
  • Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Benign tumors or polyps in the colon or rectum
  • Severe hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse

Patients who have not responded to other treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes may also be recommended for colorectal surgery. Additionally, patients who have a family history of colorectal conditions or certain genetic conditions may be advised to undergo surgery as a preventive measure.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery:

  • Patient meets with surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks and benefits
  • Patient may undergo preoperative testing such as blood work, imaging scans, and colonoscopy
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or take medications to prepare for surgery
  • Patient may be advised to stop smoking and avoid certain medications before surgery

After colorectal surgery:

  • Patient is taken to the recovery room immediately after surgery
  • Patient may have a catheter and drainage tubes in place
  • Patient will be monitored closely for any complications such as bleeding or infection
  • Patient will gradually start to eat and drink again, starting with clear liquids and progressing to solid foods
  • Patient will be encouraged to move around and walk to prevent blood clots and promote healing
  • Patient will be discharged from the hospital once they are able to eat, drink, and move around comfortably
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their recovery and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific type of colorectal surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing robotic colorectal surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. How will this surgery affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  8. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and improve my outcomes?
  9. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for my specific condition?
  10. What long-term effects should I expect after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dehal A, Patel S, Park H, Nguyen P, Yuhan R, Ruan J. Journal: Am Surg. 2016 Oct;82(10):907-910. PMID: 27779971