Using animated visualization to improve postoperative mobilization: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs fast-track recovery for surgical procedures, including colorectal and gynecological oncology surgery. Early mobilization is a postoperative ERAS module that can be self-managed by patients, but poor adherence is common. Visualization is increasingly being used to improve patient understanding and adherence to health behaviors.

Great expectations: use of molecular tests and computerised prognostic tools in New Zealand cancer care.

Background: Use of molecular tests and computerised prognostic tools designed to individualise cancer care appears to be rapidly increasing in New Zealand. These tests have important clinical and health economic implications, but their impact on cancer care has not been fully assessed.

Aim: To determine cancer clinicians' use of and expectations for molecular tests and computerised prognostic tools.

Complex anal fistulas: plug or flap?

Background: Rectal mucosal advancement flaps (RMAF) and fistula plugs (FP) are techniques used to manage complex anal fistulas. The purpose of this study was to review and compare the results of these methods of repair.

Methods: A retrospective review of all complex anal fistulas treated by either a RMAF or a FP at Auckland City Hospital from 2004 to 2008.

Design and validation of a comprehensive fecal incontinence questionnaire.

Purpose: Fecal incontinence can have a profound effect on quality of life. Its prevalence remains uncertain because of stigma, lack of consistent definition, and dearth of validated measures. This study was designed to develop a valid clinical and epidemiologic questionnaire, building on current literature and expertise.

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy.

The procedure of stapled hemorrhoidectomy has been established as a safe and effective method for treating symptomatic hemorrhoids not responsive to more conservative measures. This chapter discusses the issues of safety, efficacy, durability, and cost of this procedure. In addition, we outline techniques for performing the procedure safely and effectively.

Anastomotic leakage after lower gastrointestinal anastomosis: men are at a higher risk.

Background: Anastomotic leakage is the most important complication specific to intestinal surgery. The aim of this study was to review the anastomotic leakage rates in a single Colorectal Unit and to evaluate the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after lower gastrointestinal anastomosis.

Methods: A total of 541 consecutive operations involving anastomoses of the colon and rectum that were carried out between 1999 and 2004 at a single colorectal unit were reviewed.

The prevalence of fecal incontinence in community-dwelling adults: a systematic review of the literature.

Purpose: Reported prevalence estimates for fecal incontinence among community-dwelling adults vary widely. A systematic review was undertaken to investigate the studied prevalence of fecal incontinence in the community and explore the heterogeneity of study designs and sources of bias that may explain variability in estimates.

Methods: A predetermined search strategy was used to locate all studies published that reported the prevalence of fecal incontinence in a community-based sample of adults.

Prognostic significance of occult metastases in colon cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of occult lymph node metastases in colon cancer detected by cytokeratin 20 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Methods: Two hundred patients undergoing elective colonic resections were enrolled in the study. Lymph nodes from resected specimens were dissected fresh and assessed by both reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and histopathology.