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wake up more
quickly and experi-
ence less post-op
pain, making dis-
charge after 23
hours possible.
Conor P. Delaney,
MD, PhD, chief of
colorectal surgery
and interim chair of
surgery at
University Hospitals
Case Medical Center
in Cleveland, Ohio, says his hospital uses transversus abdominis plane
blocks (TAP blocks) to reduce patient pain and time spent in the hos-
pital after a colectomy. These long-lasting blocks are designed to anes-
thetize the nerves supplying the anterior abdominal wall. Studies have
shown that TAP blocks reduce the amount of pain patients experi-
ence post-op and the amount of opioids they need after surgery. Dr.
Senagore says that by using nerve blocks for colectomies, patients
can be switched to ibuprofen or acetaminophen within a day of sur-
gery, making the transition home easier.
While nasogastric tubes and other drains are used during traditional
colectomy procedures, experts say it's best to avoid them, as they aren't
necessary and in some cases can even lengthen a patient's recovery.
"Nasogastric tubes are not proven to help reduce vomiting after sur-
gery, but about 25% of surgeons still use them," says Dr. Delaney.
Post-operative care
One of the advances making 23-hour-discharge colectomy possible is
C O L E C T O M Y
INSIDE LOOK Laparoscopic surgery
has made the 23-hour discharge for
colectomy procedures possible.
