Patient-performed extraction of faecal calprotectin.

Background: Faecal (f-) calprotectin is a widely used marker for intestinal inflammation. However, extraction procedure is time consuming and cumbersome. The main aim of this study was to evaluate patient-performed extraction of f-calprotectin compared to extraction performed in the laboratory.

Management of colorectal injuries during operation iraqi freedom: patterns of stoma usage.

Background: Management of penetrating colorectal injuries in the civilian trauma population has evolved away from diversionary stoma into primary repair or resection and primary anastomosis. With this in mind, we evaluated how injuries to the colon and rectum were managed in the ongoing war in Iraq.

Methods: The records of Operation Iraqi Freedom patients evacuated to National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) from March 2004 until November 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.