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Making media waves at the RACS ASC 2022 We present some interesting abstracts that generated media interest. Depressive symptoms occur in almost half of stoma surgery patients An Australian-first research has discovered depressive symptoms occur in almost half of stoma surgery patients. The study, conducted by a team of 17 medical professionals and health researchers, led by Dr Joshua Kovoor and supervised by Professor Peter Hewett, comprised a systematic review and metaanalysis aiming to characterise depressive symptoms after stoma surgery. Key findings included: - overall prevalence of depressive symptoms in stoma patients after their surgery was 41 per cent - across the included longitudinal studies, six-month postoperative prevalence was 39 per cent - across the included longitudinal studies, 12-month postoperative prevalence was 42 per cent - patients with a stoma had significantly higher rates and risk of depressive symptoms compared to patients undergoing surgery without stoma formation.
Dr Joshua Kovoor, a researcher, medical intern and PhD candidate with the University of Adelaide said a patient’s depressive state after stoma surgery could be linked to a few key factors.
“After stoma surgery, many patients struggle physically and mentally post-surgery, especially with a loss of self, intimacy, and body image, in response to multiple psychological stressors,” Dr Kovoor said. “The research highlights how we can improve care to stoma patients before and after their surgery. “Stoma patients at risk of developing depressive symptoms should be identified early, and have access to mental health services, including psychologists and psychiatrists to assist with their overall care.” Professor Peter Hewett, RACS Fellow and senior colorectal surgeon at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital said when forming a stoma, the surgeon will take care to
ensure it has good position and proper shape. “A preoperative visit from a stomal therapist aids in both deciding the optimal position on the abdomen to place the stoma and gives reassurance that help will be available in the postoperative period to manage the stoma,” Professor Hewett said. Circumcision still common in private hospitals, despite the procedure being banned in public hospitals A new study has revealed circumcision remains one of the most common surgeries performed in Australian private hospitals, despite the procedure being banned in public hospitals. The research by Dr Darshan Sitharthan and Keeththana Thayanantharajah reports Australia’s circumcision rate has fallen by 80 per cent in the past 40 years. Key insights include: - Male circumcision is an ancient practice that dates as far back as 10,000 BC.
