Digital postoperative follow-up after colorectal resection: a multi-center preliminary qualitative study on a patient reporting and monitoring application.

The development of minimally invasive colorectal surgery in the last decades led to a decrease in length of hospital stay. However, readmission and postoperative complications were still observed. Several studies have shown that close postoperative follow-up is required to decrease postoperative morbidity through patient education and by detecting early signs of complications.

The Role of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background And Objective: Total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer (RC) often results in significant bowel symptoms, commonly known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Although pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is recommended in noncancer populations for treating bowel symptoms, this has been scarcely investigated in RC patients. The objective was to investigate PFMT effectiveness on LARS in patients after TME for RC.

Is evaluation by questionnaires sufficient to cover all aspects of bowel symptoms in rectal cancer patients after low anterior resection?

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate whether bowel symptoms related to low anterior resection for rectal cancer can be sufficiently well evaluated by the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) questionnaire score or the ColoRectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire compared with a stool diary.

Method: All patients underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer. They were asked to fill out a stool diary, the LARS questionnaire and the COREFO questionnaire, at 1, 4, 6 and 12 months after low anterior resection or stoma closure.

Physical activity levels after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: one-year follow-up.

Background: Overall survival rates after rectal cancer have increased. Therefore, functional outcomes rightly deserve more interest. The aims of this study were to assess progression in total, sports, occupational and household physical activity levels of rectal cancer survivors, from preoperatively to 12 months after surgery/stoma closure and to explore predictive factors.

European Society of Coloproctology guidance on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery.

This is a comprehensive and rigorous review of currently available data on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery. This guideline outlines the limitations of available data and the challenges of interpretation, followed by best possible recommendations.

Randomised controlled trial to assess efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training on bowel symptoms after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: study protocol.

Introduction: Radical surgery after a total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer often results in a significant decrease in the patient's quality of life, due to functional problems such as bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunction. The effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on these symptoms has been scarcely investigated. We hypothesise that the proportion of successful patients will be significantly higher in the intervention group, receiving 12 weeks of PFMT, compared with the control group without treatment.

Boerhaave's syndrome: successful conservative treatment in two patients.

The Boerhaave syndrome is a spontaneous, post-emetic rupture of the esophagus and a rare but potentially fatal cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. There are currently no guidelines on the optimal treatment of these patients, although there is a strong tendency towards a surgical approach. We present 2 cases of male patients, 66- and 77-year old respectively, both admitted to the emergency department with hematemesis.

Potential sexual function improvement by using transanal mesorectal approach for laparoscopic low rectal cancer excision.

Objective: Preliminary results of the transanal approach for low rectal cancer suggest better oncological outcomes than the conventional laparoscopic approach. We currently report the functional results.

Methods: From 2008 to 2012, 100 patients with low rectal cancer and suitable for sphincter-saving resection were randomized between transanal and laparoscopic low rectal dissection.

The risk of definitive stoma formation at 10 years after low and ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Aim: The long-term risk of definitive stoma after sphincter-saving resection (SSR) for rectal cancer is underestimated and has never been reported for ultralow conservative surgery. We report the 10-year risk of definitive stoma after SSR for low rectal cancer.

Method: From 1994 to 2008, patients with low rectal cancer who were suitable for SSR were analysed retrospectively.

Relief of obstructed defecation syndrome after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR): a meta-analysis.

Objectives: Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) is a promising new treatment for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) associated with rectal intussusception and/or rectocele. The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy of STARR to treat ODS.

Methods: Outcome data after STARR for ODS were pooled according to the used constipation score.

Laparoscopy for pelvic floor disorders.

Surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders has significantly evolved during the last decade, with increasing understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology and the minimally-invasive 'revolution' of laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic pelvic floor repair requires a thorough knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy and its supportive components before repair of defective anatomy is possible. Several surgical procedures have been introduced and applied to treat rectal prolapse syndromes.

Lessons learned after more than 400 laparoscopic ventral rectopexies.

Background: Laparoscopic ventral recto(colpo)pexy (LVR) is a minimally invasive, autonomic nerve-sparing technique to treat rectal prolapse syndromes. The position of the mesh on the anterior aspect of the rectum in the rectovaginal septum allows correction of concomitant rectocele and enterocele.

Methods: Demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data of consecutive patients were analyzed in order to audit our 10-years' experience with the technique.

Laparoscopic sigmoid resection with transrectal specimen extraction: a systematic review.

Aim: A systematic review was performed to identify differences in surgical technique, postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay and safety for procedures involving left-sided laparoscopic colectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction.

Method: A PubMed search was performed to retrieve studies reporting on left-sided laparoscopic colorectal resection with transrectal specimen extraction. The quality of the different reports was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.