Is there hope for conservative treatment of intestinal perforation in colorectal cancer?

Whether patients with colorectal cancer and intestinal perforation have hope of conservative treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's overall health. Generally speaking, in some special cases, conservative treatment may be used as a short-term coping strategy, but it usually cannot fundamentally solve the problem, and most patients still need surgical intervention. It is recommended to combine the doctor's advice as soon as possible and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve survival rate and quality of life.

1) Applicable population and principles of conservative treatment

Conservative treatment may have a corresponding effect for patients with milder conditions, smaller perforations, poor physical conditions, and who are not suitable for surgery. Its main purpose is to control infection and inflammation, and stabilize the condition through gastrointestinal decompression, anti-infection treatment, and adequate nutritional support. For example, the use of intravenous antibiotics (such as cephalosporins) to fight infection can help reduce the spread of bacteria. Combined with gastrointestinal decompression (absorption of effusion or gas through a nasogastric tube) to relieve abdominal pressure and improve symptoms. Total intravenous nutritional support (TPN) can replenish energy for patients and speed up recovery. However, conservative treatment is only a stopgap measure, and long-term reliance cannot solve the root cause of cancer.

2) Surgical intervention remains the core treatment method

For intestinal perforation caused by intestinal cancer, surgery is almost the key to preventing the condition from worsening. There are mainly the following surgical methods:

- Emergency surgery: It is suitable for patients whose perforation has caused extensive contamination of the abdominal cavity. The condition can be controlled by removing the perforated segment of intestine and cleaning the infected area of ​​the abdominal cavity.

-Palliative surgery: Suitable for patients who are difficult to complete radical resection, the main goal is to relieve obstruction or clear perforation.

- Staged surgery: Some patients can undergo emergency surgery to control infection first, and then radical surgery to remove the tumor later.

Choosing the appropriate surgical method based on the patient's actual situation is the key to improving the condition.

3) Pay attention to postoperative rehabilitation management

Regardless of whether or not you undergo surgery, nursing and nutritional support during the recovery period are extremely important. For diet, you can choose liquid or semi-liquid foods that are high in protein, vitamins, and easy to digest, such as fish soup, chicken soup, etc. Moderate exercise (such as bedside stretching exercises) can reduce the risk of postoperative intestinal adhesions. Regular review of cancer markers and imaging examinations can help monitor tumor changes and treatment effects.

Bowel perforation with bowel cancer is a serious complication. Whether conservative treatment is effective depends on the patient's condition, but surgery is usually the most effective solution. If you experience bowel cancer-related symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or abnormal weight loss, it is recommended that you seek medical attention and receive treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of worsening of the disease and increase the survival rate. Stopping procrastination and taking early action are the keys to dealing with bowel cancer.