A Review of Local Consent Practices for Colorectal Surgery With a Focus on Postoperative Bowel Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Consent Practices
• Patient Quality of Life

Background:

• Long-term bowel dysfunction significantly impacts quality of life after colorectal surgery.
• Informed consent processes often lack adequate discussion of bowel dysfunction.
• This deficiency affects patient understanding and expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate consent practices for colorectal surgery.
• To determine the percentage of patients consented for bowel dysfunction.
• To highlight the need for improved patient counseling.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 48 consent forms for sphincter-preserving colorectal surgeries.
• Review of documentation regarding bowel dysfunction and other complications.
• Data collection occurred between August and November 2024 at a single institution.

Main Results:

• Only 22.9% (11/48) of consent forms documented discussion of postoperative bowel dysfunction.
• Postoperative pain was undocumented in 39.6% (19/48) of cases.
• Anastomotic leaks were unreported in 16.6% (8/48) of forms, while venous thromboembolism and damage to surrounding structures were consented by most patients.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in counseling patients about bowel dysfunction.
• Discussion of bowel dysfunction should be standard practice in colorectal surgery consent.
• Improved communication can enhance patient understanding and preparedness.