AIMS: The main purpose of this study was to analyse, prospectively, patient symptoms during the first four weeks following elective colon surgery. A secondary aim was to find areas to improve inpatient information and postoperative care. BACKGROUND: Fast-track recovery following colon surgery has been proven beneficial to patients in the early postoperative phase. Less is known about the continuous recovery at home. DESIGN: A prospective follow-up survey. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 32) planned for elective colon surgery were evaluated. Both open and laparoscopic operations were included. All followed a fast-track protocol in hospital. Patient symptoms were recorded by validated quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C 30, EORTC QLQ-CR 38 and Brief Pain Inventory). An interview was conducted five weeks and one year after surgery. RESULTS: The hospital stay was six days, and 10% of patients were readmitted. The fast-track concept worked well. The main problems after discharge were fatigue, nausea and bowel disturbances. Pain was not a significant issue. Most symptoms had disappeared after four weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The first period at home is troublesome, and better information about common symptoms is needed. A direct telephone line has been set up to answer questions and to lower patient anxiety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Clinical guidelines for patient's discharge planning can be performed based on the results from this study. Further improvement regarding the epidural anaesthesia is needed to reduce minor side effects.
AIMS: The main purpose of this study was to analyse, prospectively, patient symptoms during the first four weeks following elective colon surgery. A secondary aim was to find areas to improve inpatient information and postoperative care. BACKGROUND: Fast-track recovery following colon surgery has been proven beneficial to patients in the early postoperative phase. Less is known about the continuous recovery at home. DESIGN: A prospective follow-up survey. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 32) planned for elective colon surgery were evaluated. Both open and laparoscopic operations were included. All followed a fast-track protocol in hospital. Patient symptoms were recorded by validated quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C 30, EORTC QLQ-CR 38 and Brief Pain Inventory). An interview was conducted five weeks and one year after surgery. RESULTS: The hospital stay was six days, and 10% of patients were readmitted. The fast-track concept worked well. The main problems after discharge were fatigue, nausea and bowel disturbances. Pain was not a significant issue. Most symptoms had disappeared after four weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The first period at home is troublesome, and better information about common symptoms is needed. A direct telephone line has been set up to answer questions and to lower patientanxiety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Clinical guidelines for patient's discharge planning can be performed based on the results from this study. Further improvement regarding the epidural anaesthesia is needed to reduce minor side effects.
Authors: Lidewij Spelt; Daniel Ansari; Christian Sturesson; Bobby Tingstedt; Roland Andersson Journal: HPB (Oxford) Date: 2011-09-26 Impact factor: 3.647
Authors: Thomas D Martin; Talya Lorenz; Jane Ferraro; Kevin Chagin; Richard M Lampman; Karen L Emery; Joan E Zurkan; Jami L Boyd; Karin Montgomery; Rachel E Lang; James F Vandewarker; Robert K Cleary Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2015-12-22 Impact factor: 4.584