# A Review of Local Consent Practices for Colorectal Surgery With a Focus on Postoperative Bowel Dysfunction

## TL;DR

This paper finds that few patients are informed about bowel dysfunction risks during colorectal surgery consent, suggesting it should be a standard part of the process.

## Contribution

The study highlights the underrepresentation of bowel dysfunction discussion in surgical consent forms and advocates for its inclusion as standard practice.

## Key findings

- Only 22.9% of consent forms mentioned postoperative bowel dysfunction discussions.
- 39.6% of consent forms did not document postoperative pain information.
- All patients consented to infections and bleeding, but 6.3% did not for venous thromboembolism.

## Abstract

Aim: Long-term bowel dysfunction is a significant consequence of colorectal surgery, having a major impact on quality of life. Despite this, patients often do not receive adequate information while consenting to surgery. This study aims to analyze consent practices and determine the proportion of patients being consented for bowel dysfunction.

Materials and methods: Consent forms for sphincter-preserving colorectal surgeries performed between August and November 2024 at a single center were analyzed for documentation regarding bowel dysfunction, and other complications were also noted.

Results: A total of 48 consent forms were analyzed, and we found that only 11/48 (22.9%) had documentation about postoperative bowel dysfunction being discussed with patients. We also found that postoperative pain was not documented in 19/48 (39.6%) cases, and anastomotic leaks were not reported in 8/48 (16.6%) cases. All patients (100%) consented to infections and bleeding; however, 3/48 (6.3%) did not consent to venous thromboembolism and damage to surrounding structures.

Conclusions: A low proportion of patients are counseled regarding postoperative bowel dysfunction at the time of consenting, and the issue should be discussed with all patients undergoing colorectal surgery as a part of standard practice.