Why is it important?
Many patients with IBD find it hard to understand and accept the idea of surgery. It’s a prospect that can make them feel very anxious. That’s why clear information is so important. People facing surgery need to know what will happen, including benefits and risks, possible alternatives and what it will mean afterwards.
This information should be available in a variety of formats including written, audio-visual and web-based, and be made available in a language the patient can understand. Consent for surgery should include a discussion about the options available, and the most important considerations for the patient, for example, any implications for fertility.
Patients who are considering pouch surgery or an ileostomy should have the opportunity to talk with patients who have had this operation. It’s also important to offer psychological support at this time, as self-esteem and body image can be affected. While the majority of adult patients in the 2023 Patient Survey (81%) reported being given sufficient information to help them understand their surgery, there is work to be done around these other areas for learning and support. Only 3% reported having the opportunity to speak to a counsellor or psychologist before their operation, with 5% having the chance to speak to someone who had the same or similar operation.