Our Summary

This study looked at the results of robotic surgeries for colorectal issues in five UK medical centers. It used data from 523 patients who had this surgery between 2015 and 2019, where the surgeons followed a specific training program for the robotic surgery. The patients were mainly men (70%), with an average age of around 65, and most of them (89.7%) had the surgery because of cancer.

The results showed that only a small percentage (4.2%) of the procedures had to be converted to traditional open surgery, and the patients typically stayed in the hospital for 6 days. There were no deaths within 30 days of the surgery. Around 9% of patients had to be readmitted to the hospital, and about 7% needed another operation. The rate of complications (like leaks from the surgical connection) was around 4%.

The study concluded that the specific training program for the robotic surgery led to safe and successful surgeries with good short-term results. However, more research is needed to see the long-term effects and overall impact of this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the study on robotic surgeries for colorectal issues?
  2. What percentage of patients had to be converted to traditional open surgery during the robotic procedure?
  3. What recommendations did the study make regarding the specific training program for the robotic surgery?

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, bowel preparation, and medication management. By adhering to these guidelines, patients can help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery process. Additionally, it is important to communicate openly with the medical team about any concerns or questions before and after the procedure.

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, rectal prolapse, and other colorectal conditions that cannot be effectively treated with non-surgical methods. The decision to recommend colorectal surgery is usually made after careful consideration of the patient’s overall health, the severity of their condition, and the potential risks and benefits of surgery.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a colorectal issue, such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and consultations with the surgical team to prepare for surgery.
  3. Patient may undergo bowel preparation to clean out the intestines before surgery.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled and patient is instructed on fasting guidelines before the procedure.

After colorectal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes robotic surgery for colorectal issue, with a small percentage of procedures potentially being converted to open surgery.
  2. Patient typically stays in the hospital for around 6 days post-surgery.
  3. There were no deaths within 30 days of the surgery in the study.
  4. Around 9% of patients needed to be readmitted to the hospital and 7% required another operation.
  5. The rate of complications, such as leaks from the surgical connection, was around 4%.
  6. The study concluded that the specific training program for robotic surgery led to safe and successful surgeries with good short-term results.
  7. Long-term effects and overall impact of this type of surgery require further research.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with robotic colorectal surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after robotic colorectal surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of robotic colorectal surgery compared to traditional open surgery?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the surgery?
  5. How experienced is the surgical team in performing robotic colorectal surgery?
  6. What is the likelihood of needing a conversion to traditional open surgery during the procedure?
  7. What is the expected outcome in terms of long-term effects and overall impact of the surgery?
  8. How will the surgery affect my quality of life and daily activities?
  9. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
  10. What are the alternatives to robotic colorectal surgery, and why is this the recommended treatment option for me?

Reference

Authors: Koc MA, Thomas MS, Mavrantonis S, Panteleimonitis S, Harper M, Sanjay C, Tou S, Shakil A, Farooq G, Ahmad M, Qureshi T, Parvaiz A. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2024 Nov;26(11):1965-1970. doi: 10.1111/codi.17179. Epub 2024 Sep 17. PMID: 39289845