Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that compared two surgical methods for removing cancer from the right side of the colon: a three-port laparoscopic right colectomy (3-LRC) and a conventional five-port laparoscopic right colectomy (5-LRC).

The study involved 163 patients who had right-sided colon cancer and underwent one of these two procedures between April 2011 and December 2017. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the severity of the cancer, the location of the tumor, the amount of blood loss, the number of complications, and the rate of switching to open surgery between the two groups.

However, the three-port procedure had several advantages. It took less time (about 140 minutes compared to 178 minutes for the five-port procedure), it removed more lymph nodes (which could help to ensure that all the cancer was removed), and patients recovered faster, passing gas and being able to eat sooner after the surgery. Fewer patients who underwent the three-port procedure needed pain relief medication.

The authors conclude that the three-port procedure is a viable option for right-sided colon cancer. They believe it could also reduce costs associated with equipment and personnel, and should be considered a standard procedure.

FAQs

  1. What were the two surgical methods compared in this study for removing cancer from the right side of the colon?
  2. What were the advantages of the three-port laparoscopic right colectomy over the conventional five-port procedure?
  3. Based on the study, what is the conclusion about the effectiveness of the three-port procedure in treating right-sided colon cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic colectomy is to discuss with them the possibility of a three-port laparoscopic procedure, as it may offer advantages such as faster recovery time and less need for pain relief medication compared to a traditional five-port procedure. This option could potentially lead to a smoother and more comfortable post-operative experience for the patient.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic colectomy include those with benign or malignant colorectal diseases such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and polyps. Laparoscopic colectomy is generally recommended for patients who are otherwise healthy and have no significant medical conditions that would increase the risk of surgery. It may also be recommended for patients who are young and physically fit, as well as for patients who have a tumor that is small and localized to the colon.

In the case of the study mentioned above, patients with right-sided colon cancer were recommended for laparoscopic colectomy. This procedure is often recommended for patients with early-stage colon cancer, as it is minimally invasive and allows for quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Additionally, laparoscopic colectomy may be recommended for patients who have a strong preference for a minimally invasive approach to surgery.

Timeline

Before the laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and consultations with their healthcare team
  • Patient is informed about the different surgical options available
  • Patient schedules the laparoscopic colectomy procedure
  • Patient follows pre-operative instructions, such as fasting and medication adjustments

After the laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the laparoscopic colectomy procedure, either a three-port or five-port surgery
  • Patient is closely monitored in the post-operative recovery area
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue
  • Patient is gradually allowed to resume normal activities, starting with walking and light eating
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are stable and able to manage their pain
  • Patient follows post-operative instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and gradually increasing physical activity
  • Patient undergoes follow-up testing and monitoring to ensure successful recovery and cancer removal.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic colectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after laparoscopic colectomy compared to traditional open surgery?
  3. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure, and if so, for how long?
  4. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities, such as work and exercise?
  5. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any medications after the surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of laparoscopic colectomy for removing right-sided colon cancer?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments or tests to monitor my recovery and any potential recurrence of cancer?
  9. What is the experience and success rate of the surgical team performing the laparoscopic colectomy procedure?
  10. Are there any specific factors or criteria that would make me a better candidate for the three-port laparoscopic right colectomy compared to the conventional five-port procedure?

Reference

Authors: Kim HG, Ju YT, Lee JK, Hong SC, Lee YJ, Jeong CY, Kim JY, Park JH, Jang JY, Kwag SJ. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2019 Apr;29(4):465-470. doi: 10.1089/lap.2018.0498. Epub 2018 Nov 8. PMID: 30265591