Our Summary

The research paper looks at two techniques of performing a colectomy (surgery to remove all or part of your colon): Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) which uses one port site, and the conventional multi-port laparoscopic colectomy (MLC), which uses multiple port sites. The researchers first analyzed previous studies on this topic and then carried out their own analysis using two controlled trials with 82 colorectal cancer patients.

The previous studies were largely of low quality, so the researchers tried to fill in the gaps with their own analysis. They found that there wasn’t enough evidence to say whether SILC resulted in fewer complications or a lower death rate than MLC. However, they did find that patients who underwent SILC had a significantly shorter hospital stay.

One of the two trials they analyzed found that patients experienced less pain on the first day after SILC compared to MLC. The researchers also found 7 ongoing trials studying these techniques with over 1,000 patients.

In conclusion, the researchers state that there isn’t enough high-quality evidence to say whether SILC is better or worse than MLC. They suggest that SILC should still be considered experimental and more high-quality, controlled trials are needed before any recommendations can be made.

FAQs

  1. What are the two techniques of performing a colectomy that the research paper discusses?
  2. What were the findings of the researchers in terms of complications or death rate between SILC and MLC?
  3. What is the conclusion of the researchers about the SILC technique?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic colectomy is to discuss with their healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of single-incision laparoscopic colectomy compared to conventional multi-port laparoscopic colectomy. It is important to have a thorough discussion about the procedure, recovery time, potential complications, and any ongoing research studies that may impact their decision. Ultimately, the choice of surgical technique should be based on individual patient factors and preferences.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for laparoscopic colectomy include those with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and other conditions affecting the colon that require surgical removal. It is important for patients to discuss their specific situation with their healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic colectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient meets with their healthcare provider to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits
  • Patient may undergo preoperative testing, such as blood tests and imaging studies
  • Patient may be instructed to follow a special diet or stop certain medications before the surgery
  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic colectomy procedure, which typically lasts a few hours
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room

After laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient is closely monitored for complications, such as infection or bleeding
  • Patient may be given pain medication to manage discomfort
  • Patient is encouraged to start moving around and walking to aid in recovery
  • Patient may be instructed on how to care for their incision sites and when to follow up with their healthcare provider
  • Patient is typically discharged from the hospital within a few days
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or make lifestyle changes to aid in recovery and prevent complications
  • Patient may have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and address any concerns

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 both single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) and conventional multi-port laparoscopic colectomy (MLC)?
  2. How does the recovery time and hospital stay differ between SILC and MLC?
  3. What is the level of pain experienced after each procedure and how is it managed?
  4. Are there any long-term effects or differences in outcomes between SILC and MLC?
  5. Are there any specific factors that would make me a better candidate for one type of colectomy over the other?
  6. Are there ongoing clinical trials or research studies comparing SILC and MLC that I should be aware of?
  7. What is your experience and expertise with performing laparoscopic colectomy procedures, particularly SILC?
  8. What post-operative care and follow-up will be necessary after the procedure?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions I should be aware of after undergoing a laparoscopic colectomy?
  10. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition, and how do they compare to laparoscopic colectomy in terms of effectiveness and recovery?

Reference

Authors: Brockhaus AC, Sauerland S, Saad S. Journal: BMC Surg. 2016 Oct 18;16(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s12893-016-0187-5. PMID: 27756272