Our Summary

This study looked at using infrared thermography (IRT), a method that detects heat patterns, as a tool to help surgeons decide where to cut when they need to remove a section of the intestine. This is important because the blood supply to the tissue plays a big role in how well the patient recovers after surgery.

The researchers tested this method on pigs and compared the results with a commonly used method that involves injecting a dye (indocyanine green or ICG) and using it to highlight the blood supply.

They found that the two methods gave similar, but not identical, results. The team of surgeons who evaluated the procedure felt that the IRT method was better at showing where the cut should be made.

They also found that the parts of the intestine with less blood supply took longer to return to their original temperature after being cooled, which further supports the potential usefulness of IRT in these kinds of operations.

In short, this study suggests that using a thermographic examination could potentially improve the success of intestinal surgery by helping surgeons make more precise cuts.

FAQs

  1. What is infrared thermography (IRT) and how can it be used in intestinal surgery?
  2. How does the IRT method compare to the commonly used method of injecting dye (ICG) to highlight the blood supply?
  3. What are the potential benefits of using a thermographic examination during intestinal surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal resection is to discuss the possibility of using infrared thermography (IRT) as a tool during the surgery. This method can help the surgeon identify the best location to make the cut, based on the blood supply to the tissue. By using IRT, the surgeon may be able to make more precise cuts and potentially improve the outcome of the surgery. It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about all the options available and how they can benefit your specific case.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from intestinal resection include those with:

  • Intestinal blockages or obstructions
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Intestinal tumors or cancers
  • Intestinal injuries or trauma
  • Intestinal ischemia (lack of blood supply to the intestine)
  • Intestinal strictures (narrowing of the intestine)
  • Intestinal fistulas (abnormal connections between the intestine and other organs)

Ultimately, the decision to recommend intestinal resection is made on a case-by-case basis by the patient’s healthcare team, taking into consideration factors such as the patient’s overall health, the severity of the condition, and the potential benefits and risks of surgery.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  • Patient presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding
  • Diagnostic tests are performed to confirm the need for surgery, such as colonoscopy or imaging studies
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient undergoes pre-operative preparation and counseling

After intestinal resection:

  • Surgery is performed to remove the diseased portion of the intestine
  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for post-operative complications such as infection or bowel obstruction
  • Patient is gradually introduced to a diet and monitored for any signs of complications
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about intestinal resection include:

  1. Can infrared thermography be used in my surgery to help guide where to make the cut in my intestine?
  2. How does infrared thermography compare to the traditional method of using dye to highlight blood supply in the intestine?
  3. What are the potential benefits of using infrared thermography in my surgery?
  4. Are there any risks or limitations associated with using infrared thermography during intestinal resection?
  5. Will using infrared thermography affect the length of my surgery or my recovery time?
  6. How experienced are you and your surgical team in using infrared thermography for intestinal resections?
  7. Are there any alternative methods or technologies that could be used instead of or in conjunction with infrared thermography for my surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of using infrared thermography in intestinal resections, based on the current research and evidence?
  9. Will I need any additional monitoring or follow-up care if infrared thermography is used during my surgery?
  10. Can you explain in more detail how infrared thermography works and how it will be incorporated into my surgical procedure?

Reference

Authors: Pokorná J, Staffa E, Čan V, Bernard V, Mornstein V, Farkašová M, Zetelolová A, Kala Z. Journal: Physiol Meas. 2019 Jan 29;40(1):014003. doi: 10.1088/1361-6579/aafa8e. PMID: 30577028