Many people associate ostomy bags and long recovery with colorectal cancer surgery. However, the advancement in the field of medicine has addressed most concerns related to this matter.
In this article, we will discuss some myths related to cancer surgery and their answers.
Myth # 1
Colorectal cancer surgery results in a permanent colostomy.
Fact
Although some surgeons use procedures that result in a permanent colostomy while treating colorectal cancer, restorative colorectal surgeons go for a more specific treatment option for each case. They are specialized in connecting the colon to the anus using more advanced techniques.
According to the available data, people who undergo colorectal cancer surgery to have a permanent colostomy tend to stay in the hospitals for longer durations. For them, there is a higher chance of cancer coming back and a higher risk of death.
On the other hand, a patient treated by a colorectal specialist has a lower risk of cancer recurring and death.
Myth # 2
You will have to stay for a bit long time in the hospital after colorectal surgery.
Fact
The post-surgery recovery has changed significantly, thanks to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. These protocols direct doctors and surgeons to rely on evidence-based medicine to ensure patient care and recovery after the procedure. In the past, patients had to stay in the hospital for about 12 days after major abdominal surgery. Now, this duration has reduced to three days or even fewer.
These protocols start before the patient even arrives at the hospital. They, in fact, start a few weeks before surgery. Doctors and surgeons follow these protocols until the recovery duration ends.
In the past, patients had to stop eating and drinking from the midnight before the surgery day. This situation had been particularly uncomfortable for some patients who had been at the risk of dehydration or a decline in sugar levels. Now, patients can take a liquid diet up to three hours before the surgical procedure. Moreover, patients can now start taking a liquid diet right after surgery. They can go for a regular diet the next morning.
Another benefit of these protocols is that patients do not have to wait for bowel movements before they can start eating.
According to a surgeon, feeding the patient soon after surgery can help the gut get its supply of nutrients quickly. It means that not eating something for long after surgery can result in the gut starving.
Myth # 3
You will need narcotics to control postoperative pain.
Fact
Patients had been taking narcotics to control their postoperative pain in the past, but the scenario has changed quite a bit in recent times. Many surgeons give their patients a combination of non-narcotic medications to control their postoperative pain. It means that patients are no longer susceptible to getting addicted to substance abuse in their postoperative lives.
These are the top-three myths related to colorectal cancer surgery. There are more of these, so you may need to remain in touch with your doctor to avoid getting affected by misinformation.
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