Proctectomy nhsmail

Proctectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the rectum, which is the lower part of the large intestine. The procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as rectal cancer, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.

Here are some key points to know about proctectomy:

Indications:

• Rectal cancer
• Rectal bleeding that is not caused by hemorrhoids or other conditions
• Rectal prolapse
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Trauma to the rectum

Types of proctectomy:

• Abdominoperineal resection (APR): This is the most common type of proctectomy, where the rectum and anus are removed and the wound is closed.
• Low anterior resection (LAR): This procedure involves removing the rectum and part of the sigmoid colon, and then reconnecting the remaining colon to the anus.
• Coloanal anastomosis (CAA): This procedure involves removing the rectum and part of the sigmoid colon, and then reconnecting the remaining colon to the anus, but higher up than in a LAR.

Preparation:

• Patients will typically be advised to stop eating solid foods for 1-2 days before the procedure
• Medications such as blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics may need to be stopped before the procedure
• Patients may be given a bowel prep medication to clean out the colon

Procedure:

• The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia
• The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and perineum (the area between the anus and genitals)
• The rectum is then removed and the wound is closed
• The surgeon may also perform a colostomy, which involves creating an opening in the abdomen and attaching the end of the colon to a bag outside the body

Recovery:

• Patients will typically stay in the hospital for 5-7 days after the procedure
• Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort
• Patients will need to follow a liquid diet for several days after the procedure
• A colostomy bag may be necessary for several weeks or months after the procedure

Risks and complications:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Wound complications
• Fecal incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction
• Urinary retention

NHSMail:

NHSMail is a secure online service provided by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Patients who are undergoing a proctectomy procedure may be able to access their medical records and communicate with their healthcare team through NHSMail.

To access NHSMail, patients will need to register for an account and then log in to view their medical records and send secure messages to their healthcare team.