Rectourethral fistula following SpaceOAR gel placement for prostate cancer radiotherapy: A rare complication.

After undergoing a SpaceOAR® gel placement prior to planned radiotherapy for Gleason 4 + 4 prostate cancer, a 70-year-old male experienced severe right buttock pain and urine passing from his rectum. A colonoscopy and follow-up pelvic MRI demonstrated a large rectourethral fistula. The fistula was treated surgically with a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, primary rectal repair, omental flap and diverting loop ileostomy.

Establishment of genetically diverse patient-derived xenografts of colorectal cancer.

Preclinical compounds tested in animal models often show limited efficacy when transitioned into human clinical trials. As a result, many patients are stratified into treatment regimens that have little impact on their disease. In order to create preclinical models that can more accurately predict tumor responses, we established patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Minimally invasive colorectal resection is associated with a transient increase in plasma hepatocyte growth factor levels early after surgery for colon cancer.

Introduction: Surgery's impact on blood levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a potent angiogenic factor, is unknown. Preoperative (PreOp) HGF blood levels are elevated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and correlate with disease stage and prognosis. This study's purpose was to determine plasma HGF levels after minimally invasive colorectal resection (MICR) in patients with CRC.

Minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer is associated with a short-lived decrease in soluble Tie-2 receptor levels, which may transiently inhibit VEGF-mediated angiogenesis (via altered blood levels of free Ang-1 and Ang-2).

Background: Angiopoetin- (Ang-) 1 inhibits and Ang-2 promotes VEGF-mediated angiogenesis via binding to endothelial cell-bound Tie-2 receptor (Tie-2). After minimally invasive colorectal resection (MICR), Ang-1 levels decrease and Ang-2 levels increase, which may stimulate angiogenesis in wounds and residual tumor foci. Soluble Tie-2 (sTie-2) modulates the effects of free Ang-1 and Ang-2 by binding to them.

Colonoscopy in the office setting is safe, and financially sound ... for now.

Purpose: In 2000, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a plan to allow for enhanced reimbursement for office endoscopy. This change in reimbursement was phased in during three years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fiscal outcomes and quality measures in the first two and a one-half years of performing endoscopy in an office setting under the new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines.

Practice parameters for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is dedicated to assuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. The Standards Committee is composed of Society members who are chosen because they have demonstrated expertise in the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. This committee was created to lead international efforts in defining quality care for conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus.