Peephole surgery should be used more often in bowel cancer

January 10, 2024comment

thesis. There are different techniques to surgically remove cancer in the colon and rectum. Josephine Peterson's doctoral thesis demonstrates that peephole surgery is a safe form of treatment that should be used more widely than it is today.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Western world, although it has been declining in recent years. But for individuals under the age of 50, an increase has been observed in some Western countries.

Surgery is the main curative treatment. Traditionally, this meant open surgery, but in the 1990s peephole operations were introduced. This so-called minimally invasive surgery has shown clear short-term advantages over open technology, including faster recovery.

Studies have also indicated a higher short-term survival rate. But it was not clear whether minimally invasive surgery reduces the risk of long-term hospitalization or the need for additional surgeries.

“It doesn't just affect the elderly.”

In her doctoral project, Josephine Petersson investigated cases of colorectal cancer in Sweden. It also evaluated surgical techniques by comparing outcomes of minimally invasive surgery with open surgery.

What are the most important research results and what benefit can they provide?

– The incidence of colorectal cancer is decreasing in Sweden, but here too we found an increase among individuals under 50 years of age. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of colorectal cancer among the population and health professionals, so that everyone knows that colorectal cancer does not only affect older people, says Josephine Peterson, who works as a colorectal surgeon at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Hospital in Australia.

“Safe from a cancer perspective”

What conclusions do you draw from the comparison of surgical techniques?

Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer in routine health care is considered safe from a cancer perspective. There are many short-term benefits and care should aim to achieve a higher rate of minimally invasive surgery in this type of cancer. Choosing minimally invasive surgery rather than open surgery for rectal cancer is also unlikely to affect the long-term need for hospital care or additional operations due to bowel kinking, hernia, or stoma-related hernia.

Patient-oriented research

What was interesting and useful for you about your doctoral project?

– This is mainly due to its close association with my patients. It is very rewarding as a physician to be able to use the in-depth knowledge provided by research in daily work with patients. And seeing research benefit patients, Josephine Peterson says and continues:

– It was also very interesting to be part of a wonderful research group sadness. Conducting research in a group makes it much more enjoyable, with many valuable and interesting discussions with inspiring colleagues and great support.

Written by: Jacob Lundberg
The article was first published by the Department of Clinical Sciences.