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Background: Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is associated with higher morbidity and extended inpatient stay. Although evidence suggests that PPOI is more common following right‐sided resections, it is uncertain if return to bowel function is similar following extended right (ERH) versus right hemicolectomy (RH). Methods: The recovery of patients undergoing ERH and RH in a regional hospital in New Zealand was retrospectively compared, from 2012 to 2021. Rates of PPOI, return of bowel function and postoperative complications were compared. Other factors potentially relating to PPOI were analysed. Results: 293 patients were included (42 who underwent ERH, and 251 RH). PPOI was more common following ERH than RH (43% vs. 25%, P = 0.02). When accounting for the operative approach, rate of PPOI was not significantly different (42% open ERH vs. 36% open RH; P = 0.56). Excluding PPOI, return of bowel function did not differ between groups. Patient undergoing ERH versus RH had significantly higher length of stay (1 day) and Hb drop (2.5 g/L) postoperatively. Conclusion: Higher rates of PPOI have been demonstrated in ERH versus RH however when controlling for approach, there was not a significant difference. Further interrogation into rates of PPOI (particularly after laparoscopic surgery) are warranted to tailor locoregional ERAS protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the study was to ascertain how well patients recall their discharge diagnosis and details of their surgical procedure after a diagnostic laparoscopy at our institution. Methods: Three hundred and forty-five patients were identified as being eligible in the study. Patient characteristics and treatment details were recorded. They were then contacted by telephone and 258 patients participated (response rate 75%). They were asked the same seven questions by an investigator who was blinded to their treatment details and their responses recorded. Results: The sample consisted of 248 (96%) women and 10 (4%) men. Only seven persons (3%) were incorrect about the state of their appendix. However, 108 persons (42%) were incorrect about their discharge diagnosis. Seventy-one patients (28%) were unhappy with the information they received while in hospital. Age, whether pathology was found, dissatisfaction or type of operation was not found to significantly influence patient recall of diagnosis. Conclusion: We found that patients having a diagnostic laparoscopy at our institution often leave the hospital dissatisfied and with a poor understanding of their discharge diagnosis. This has important implications for future assessments of acute abdominal pain in these patients and can lead to misinformation and unnecessary surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]