Our Summary

This study looks at a new surgical method called Combined-Endoscopic-Laparoscopic-Surgery (CELS) used for treating benign (non-cancerous) colonic polyps that can’t be removed using standard endoscopic techniques. The researchers compared the outcomes of patients treated with traditional laparoscopic surgery before CELS was introduced at their institution, and those treated with CELS after its introduction.

The primary measures were how many complications and deaths occurred after surgery. Secondary measures included the length of hospital stays and the results of tissue examinations after surgery.

The study reviewed 115 patients, with 23 falling into each of the two groups. The authors found that the CELS group had shorter operation times, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications post-surgery. There were no deaths in either group.

The study concludes that CELS is a safe and efficient method for treating complex benign colonic polyps. It provides better surgical outcomes with fewer complications, no deaths, and appropriate pathological results. This avoids the need for unnecessary laparoscopic surgery with intestinal anastomosis (connection).

FAQs

  1. What is Combined-Endoscopic-Laparoscopic-Surgery (CELS) and what is it used for?
  2. How does the surgical outcome of CELS compare with traditional laparoscopic surgery?
  3. Does the CELS method reduce the length of hospital stays and complications post-surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic colectomy is to discuss the possibility of using a newer surgical method like Combined-Endoscopic-Laparoscopic-Surgery (CELS) for treating certain conditions, as it may offer better outcomes and fewer complications compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery. It’s important for patients to have open communication with their healthcare provider to explore all available options and make informed decisions about their treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic colectomy include those with:

  • Colon cancer
  • Diverticulitis (inflammation or infection in the colon)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Colon polyps that are too large or difficult to remove using traditional endoscopic techniques
  • Chronic constipation or bowel obstruction
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (a genetic condition that causes numerous polyps in the colon)

Timeline

Before laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and consultation with a surgeon
  • Patient may need to undergo bowel preparation
  • Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery
  • Laparoscopic colectomy is performed under general anesthesia

After laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room post-surgery
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort, which is managed with medication
  • Patient begins a clear liquid diet and gradually advances to solid foods
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital within a few days
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for postoperative care and monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic colectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic colectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after laparoscopic colectomy?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  4. How many of these procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  6. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to follow a special diet before or after the surgery?
  8. What are the long-term effects or potential complications of having a colectomy?
  9. How will my bowel function be affected after the surgery?
  10. How soon can I return to normal activities after laparoscopic colectomy?

Reference

Authors: Golda T, Lazzara C, Sorribas M, Soriano A, Frago R, Alrasheed A, Kreisler E, Biondo S. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2022 Jan;36(1):196-205. doi: 10.1007/s00464-020-08255-3. Epub 2021 Jan 13. PMID: 33439344