Development and validation of a model to predict outcomes of colon cancer surveillance.

Purpose: Clinical trials suggest that intensive surveillance of colon cancer (CC) survivors to detect recurrence increases curative-intent treatment, although any survival benefit of surveillance as currently practiced appears modest. Realizing the potential of surveillance will require tools for identifying patients likely to benefit and for optimizing testing regimens. We describe and validate a model for predicting outcomes for any schedule of surveillance in CC survivors with specified age and cancer stage.

Prospective Case Series of a Novel Minimally Invasive Bipolar Coagulation System in the Treatment of Grade I and II Internal Hemorrhoids.

Background Existing nonsurgical procedures for the treatment of grade I and II internal hemorrhoids are often painful, technically demanding, and often necessitate multiple applications. This study prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of the HET Bipolar System, a novel minimally invasive device, in the treatment of symptomatic grade I and II internal hemorrhoids. Methods Patients with symptomatic grade I or II internal hemorrhoids despite medical management underwent hemorrhoidal ligation with the HET Bipolar System.

Demonstrating the benefits of transversus abdominis plane blocks on patient outcomes in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: review of 200 consecutive cases.

Background: Quality improvement in colorectal surgery (CRS) requires implementation of tools to improve patient and financial outcomes, and assessment of results. Our objective was to evaluate the durability of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks and a standardized enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) on a large series of laparoscopic colorectal resections.

Study Design: Two hundred consecutive laparoscopic CRS patients received TAP blocks under laparoscopic guidance at the end of their operation.

The effect of transversus abdominis plane blocks on postoperative pain in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.

Background: Superior early pain control has been suggested with transversus abdominis plane blocks, but evidence-based recommendations for transversus abdominis plane blocks and their effects on patient outcomes are lacking.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether transversus abdominis plane blocks improve early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection already on an optimized enhanced recovery pathway.

Design: This study is based on a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

Pilot study evaluating the efficacy of AlloMEM™ for prevention of intraperitoneal adhesions and peritoneal regeneration after loop ileostomy.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of AlloMEM™, a novel lyophililzed human peritoneal membrane, at peritoneal reconstitution, and decreasing adhesion formation after temporary loop ileostomy.

Methods: In a pilot study, ten patients had AlloMEM™ used during elective formation of a temporary diverting loop ileostomy for benign or malignant colorectal disease. A blinded investigator and the operating surgeon analyzed the change in adhesion formation and peritoneal remodelling using ileostomy mobilization time and a 5-point adhesion scale grading intra-abdominally and at the subcutaneous and fascial levels.

A 5-year clinical experience with single-staged repairs of infected and contaminated abdominal wall defects utilizing biologic mesh.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the safety and durability of biologic mesh for single-staged reconstruction of contaminated fields.

Introduction: The presence of contamination during ventral hernia repair (VHR) poses a significant challenge. Some advocate for a multistaged reconstructive approach with delayed definitive repair, whereas others perform definitive repair at the initial operation.

Outcomes of simultaneous large complex abdominal wall reconstruction and enterocutaneous fistula takedown.

Background: The surgical management of enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) in the setting of large abdominal wall defects can be challenging. We aimed to review our experience with simultaneous single-stage ECF takedown and complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR).

Methods: Using a prospectively collected database, patients requiring surgical management of an ECF and AWR over a 5-year period were reviewed.

Discharge within 24 to 72 hours of colorectal surgery is associated with low readmission rates when using Enhanced Recovery Pathways.

Background: Enhanced Recovery Pathways (ERPs) have demonstrated reduced hospital length of stay and improved outcomes after colorectal surgery. Concerns exist about increases in readmission rates. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery with an ERP can permit earlier discharge without compromising safety or increasing readmission rates.

Design and initial implementation of HerQLes: a hernia-related quality-of-life survey to assess abdominal wall function.

Background: Success of a surgical intervention is often measured by hard clinical outcomes. In ventral hernia repair (VHR) these include wound morbidity and hernia recurrence. These outcomes fail to account for a surgical intervention's effect on a patient's quality of life (QofL).

A feasibility and dosimetric evaluation of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for human colonic and rectal epithelium in a treat and resect trial.

Background: Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used effectively for ablation of foregut disorders and also may have a role in treating colonic pathology. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering RFA to locations within the colon and to determine a range of safe treatment parameters.

Methods: Patients undergoing left hemicolectomy or proctocolectomy were evaluated.

Prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of postoperative elastomeric pain pump devices used after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Background: The laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias can result in significant postoperative pain necessitating a prolonged hospital stay, increased narcotic use, and patient dissatisfaction. Elastomeric pain pump devices with local analgesics may significantly reduce postoperative discomfort after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. This prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effect of local anesthetic continuously infused with an elastomeric pain pump device to reduce postoperative pain.