Andreas Samuelsson: Keyhole surgery best for perforated diverticulitis
Diverticulitis, inflamed intestinal pouches, can become so severe that the intestine ruptures. Andreas Samuelsson’s doctoral thesis compares the two common methods used to treat this condition. His research shows that keyhole surgery results in fewer complications than traditional open surgery.
ANDREAS SAMUELSSON
Dissertation defense: 15 November 2024 (click for details)
Doctoral thesis: Laparoscopic lavage in Swedish routine care 2016-2018. The LapLav study
Research area: Surgery
Sahlgrenska Academy, The Institute of Clinical Sciences
Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection in small bulges or pouches that can form in the wall of the intestine. The most severe form of diverticulitis causes the intestine to rupture. Although uncommon, it is often very serious when it occurs and usually requires surgery.
Andreas Samuelsson’s research focuses on which surgical methods are used for perforated diverticulitis and the outcomes of these procedures. His study includes all patients who underwent emergency surgery for diverticulitis with a ruptured intestine in Sweden between 2016 and 2018.
40 percent had to live with a stoma
Since the 1970s, the standard approach has been to remove the diseased or ruptured section of the intestine and create a stoma, with the plan to perform a second surgery about six months later to reconnect the intestine.
“But for various reasons, up to 40 percent of patients do not undergo the second surgery and must live with a stoma. A new method called laparoscopic lavage, where the abdomen is flushed during keyhole surgery, was introduced in the late 1990s. My thesis examines how this method is used in Sweden and how well it works compared to the older surgical method,” says Andreas Samuelsson, senior physician and head of the department of surgery at the NU Hospital Group (Norra Älvsborg and Uddevalla).
Fewer complications
What are your most important research findings?
“Laparoscopic lavage is widely used in Swedish routine care. It results in fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. Fewer additional surgeries were required after lavage compared to the older method. Regardless of which surgical method was used, patients continued to experience significant bowel function issues two to three years after surgery.”
What impact could your research have on the treatment of patients with perforated diverticulitis
“The most important practical takeaway from our studies is the knowledge that laparoscopic lavage works within Swedish routine medical care and can continue to be used. Additionally, there should be consideration of whether this patient group needs more systematic and long-term follow-up, given the problems they reported,” says Andreas Samuelsson.
“Doctoral program was fantastic”
What has been enjoyable and rewarding about your doctoral project?
“The doctoral program has been fantastic. Learning systematic methods, evaluating information, and developing the ability to critically assess it has been incredibly rewarding. What I have enjoyed most is being involved with the wonderful research group SSORG. It is a very stimulating work environment with experienced and competent colleagues.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg