Psychiatric diseases in patients following colorectal operations: a single-centre retrospective study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death globally and the third most common type of cancer.

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidities after colorectal surgical procedures, identify associated risk factors for their development, and determine whether improved access to psychological therapies would benefit this patient population.

Between January 2019 and December 2023, 603 patients with a diagnosis of colorectal disease underwent elective colorectal operations in our institution and were considered for this retrospective study. Data were collected from medical and operating theatre records as well as from the hospital-coded database. Patient data were primarily analysed for the incidence of colorectal diseases such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Secondary variables include patient characteristics (age at operation, gender), length of hospital stay, and operative parameters (time and type).

During the 5-year study period, a total of 603 records of patients operated on for colorectal disease in our institution were retrieved from the computer database. A total of 499 (83%) colectomies were performed using the open method, and 104 (17%) were performed using the laparoscopic technique. Among patients undergoing colorectal operation in our institution 126 (20.1%) had a psychiatric disorder in the one-year postoperative follow-up. The most common type of mental disorder was mood disorder, which appeared in 26 patients.

This retrospective study shows that the technique of colectomy does not appear to affect the incidence of psychiatric disorders. However, our study indicates the need for a prospective randomised controlled trial with a larger number of participants.