Our Summary

This research paper is about a comparison between two surgical techniques used for removing part of the colon in patients with colon adenocarcinoma (a type of colon cancer): single-incision laparoscopic surgery complete mesocolic excision (SILS CME) and multiport laparoscopic CME (MPL CME). The researchers analyzed several studies involving a total of 1344 patients to see if there were any significant differences between the two techniques.

Their findings showed that there’s no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of leakage at the surgical site, the number of lymph nodes removed, the length of hospital stay, and survival rates. The only notable difference was that the SILS CME technique resulted in a shorter skin incision, but this did not seem to affect the amount of pain patients reported after surgery.

In simpler terms, this means that both techniques are about equally effective for this type of surgery. The SILS CME technique might leave a smaller scar, but more research is needed to confirm whether this results in any real benefits for patients.

FAQs

  1. What are the two surgical techniques compared in this research for removing part of the colon in colon adenocarcinoma patients?
  2. According to the research, are there any significant differences between the SILS CME and MPL CME techniques in terms of surgical outcomes?
  3. Does the research suggest that the SILS CME technique, which results in a shorter skin incision, provide any additional benefits to patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing laparoscopic colectomy that both the single-incision laparoscopic surgery complete mesocolic excision (SILS CME) and multiport laparoscopic CME (MPL CME) techniques are equally effective in terms of surgical outcomes. The SILS CME technique may result in a smaller scar, but it is important to note that this may not necessarily lead to improved pain levels or overall recovery. Patients should discuss with their surgeon which technique is best suited for their individual case.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic colectomy include those with colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, colorectal polyps, and other benign or malignant conditions of the colon. The decision to undergo laparoscopic colectomy is usually made by a colorectal surgeon after evaluating the patient’s overall health, the extent and location of the disease, and the patient’s preferences. Laparoscopic colectomy is generally preferred over open surgery for its shorter recovery time, less postoperative pain, and lower risk of complications.

Timeline

Before the laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma and recommended for surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and consultations with their healthcare team
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, which may include dietary restrictions and bowel preparation
  • Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery

During and after the laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic colectomy surgery, which involves the removal of part of the colon affected by cancer
  • After surgery, patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room
  • Patient may experience pain, fatigue, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient is gradually introduced to a liquid diet and then progresses to solid foods as tolerated
  • Patient is encouraged to walk and perform breathing exercises to aid in recovery
  • Patient may be discharged from the hospital within a few days or stay longer depending on their recovery progress
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare team for post-operative care and monitoring, which may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing laparoscopic colectomy involves pre-operative preparations, surgery, recovery in the hospital, and post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome and recovery from colon cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is laparoscopic colectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic colectomies?
  4. What is the recovery process like after laparoscopic colectomy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  8. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo laparoscopic colectomy?
  9. Are there any specific factors that may affect my eligibility for laparoscopic colectomy?
  10. Can you explain the difference between single-incision laparoscopic surgery complete mesocolic excision (SILS CME) and multiport laparoscopic CME (MPL CME), and why one may be recommended over the other for my specific case?

Reference

Authors: Athanasiou C, Pitt J, Malik A, Crabtree M, Markides GA. Journal: Surg Innov. 2020 Apr;27(2):235-243. doi: 10.1177/1553350619893232. Epub 2019 Dec 19. PMID: 31854262