Aim: When making anastomotic decisions in rectal cancer surgery, surgeons must consider the risk of anastomotic leakage, which bears implications for the patient's quality of life, cancer recurrence and, potentially, death. The aim of this study was to investigate the views of colorectal surgeons on how their individual attributes (e.g. experience, personality traits) may influence their decision-making and experience of complications.
Method: This qualitative study used individual interviews for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to invite certified UK-based colorectal surgeons to participate. Participants were recruited until ongoing data review indicated no new codes were generated, suggesting data sufficiency. Data were analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke's six-step framework.
Results: Seventeen colorectal surgeons (eight female, nine male) participated. Two key themes with relevant subthemes were identified: (1) personal attributes influencing variation in decision-making (e.g. demographics, personality) and (2) the influence of complications on decision-making. Surgeons described variation in the management of complications based upon their personal attributes, which included factors such as gender, experience and subspeciality interests. Surgeons described the detrimental impact of anastomotic leakage on their mental and physical health. Experience of anastomotic leakage influences future decision-making and is associated with changes in practice even when a technical error is not identified.
Conclusion: Colorectal surgeons consider anastomotic leaks to be personal 'failures', which has a negative impact on surgeon welfare. Better understanding of how surgeons make difficult decisions, and how surgeons respond to and learn from complications, is necessary to identify 'personalized' methods of supporting surgeons at all career stages, which may improve patient outcomes.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/codi.16943 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
tumour specific surgery in colon cancer is gaining popularity among colorectal surgeons. Many advocate adapting surgical technique based on preoperative CT staging as not all patients require complete mesocolic excision (CME) and D3 lymphadenectomy. We aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of preoperative CT scans in nodal staging and analyse whether inadequate CT staging could have influenced local recurrences.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSurgical navigation for targeted retroperitoneal lymph-node removal: a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.
EClinicalMedicine
August 2024
Department of Surgical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Background: Metastatic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LND) for nodal recurrence is applied for a variety of cancers, such as urological, gynaecological and rectal cancer. Precise localisation and resection of these lymph nodes (LNs) during surgery can be challenging, especially after previous radiotherapy or surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the added value of surgical navigation for targeted LND in the retroperitoneum.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFConsiderations for the Treatment of Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Colon and Rectal Surgery.
Clin Colon Rectal Surg
January 2025
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.
Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) experience critical barriers to health care access and have unique health care needs that are often overlooked. Given the rise in individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, colorectal surgeons are likely to care for increasing numbers of such individuals. Here, we discuss key barriers to health care access and research among SGM populations and outline approaches to address these barriers in clinical practice.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChallenges and Strategies in Colorectal Surgery among Patients with Morbid Obesity.
Clin Colon Rectal Surg
January 2025
Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
This chapter explores the interplay between morbid obesity and the challenges encountered in colorectal surgery. Understanding the unique considerations in preoperative and intraoperative management along with weight optimization tools such as bariatric surgery emerges as potential mitigators, demonstrating benefits in reducing colorectal cancer risk and improving perioperative outcomes. Furthermore, the pervasive stigma associated with morbid obesity further complicates patient care, emphasizing the need for empathetic and nuanced approaches.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDifficulties and Disparities in Colorectal Cancer End-of-Life Care: A Patient's Story.
Clin Colon Rectal Surg
January 2025
Divisions of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
Patients with advanced colorectal cancer nearing the end of life require a multidisciplinary approach to address the unique challenges they face. Using a case vignette, we outline the various stages of a patient's journey with advanced rectal cancer and the common obstacles to their care as they interface with the medical system. We highlight how Black persons might be vulnerable to differences in screening, treatment, procedural interventions, end-of-life care, and health care decision-making.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!