Complete rectal prolapse presenting with colorectal cancer.

Objectives: Rectal prolapse is defined as prolapse of all layers of rectal wallout of the anal sphincter. The aim was to (i) describe the extremely rare combination of a rectal prolapse with colon cancer in an older female patient, (ii) comment on management-specific aspects and (iii) derive some generalizing recommendations by means of a scientific case report and based on the case-specific experiences related to the clinical management and current references from the medical literature.

Case Presentation: A 69-year old female patient with cancer of the sigmoid colon at a manifest rectal prolapse was diagnosed.

Conversion in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: impact on short- and long-term outcome.

Introduction: Despite the well-documented safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in curative intention, the role of conversion and its impact on short- and long-term outcome after resection of a carcinoma are unclear and continue to give rise to controversial discussion.

Methods: Within the framework of a prospective, multicenter observational study (Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group), into which a total of 5,863 patients from 69 hospitals were recruited over a period of 10 years, a subgroup of all patients who had undergone curative resection was analyzed with regard to the effects of conversion.

Results: Of the 1409 patients who had undergone curative resection for colorectal carcinoma, conversion had to be performed in 80 (5.

Successful conservative treatment of chylothorax following oesophagectomy - a clinical algorithm.

Objectives: Chylothorax is an infrequent but serious complication after thoracic surgery. Optimal management is still controversial. Surgical re-interventions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Laparoscopically assisted reversal of Hartmann procedure.

Introduction: Restoration of intestinal continuity following Hartmann procedure is an operation associated with a lengthy stay in hospital, protracted convalescence, and a high morbidity rate. With the aim of using the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, such as rapid mobilization, less postoperative pain, early restoration of bowel function, and a rapid return to a normal diet, and reduced morbidity, the laparoscopic modality was employed. The objective of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity following Hartmann procedure.

Laparoscopic resection for endoscopically unresectable colorectal polyps: analysis of 525 patients.

Background: For the management of endoscopically irretrievable polyps, several minimally invasive procedures are currently available as alternatives to conventional laparotomy. However, the high rate of malignant transformation despite initially benign histology continues to be a problem.

Methods: Within the framework of a prospective multicenter observational study, all patients with adenomatous polyps unsuitable for endoscopic removal and with benign histology were investigated.

Laparoscopic approach to colorectal procedures in the obese patient: risk factor or benefit?

Background: Obesity is a modern-day phenomenon that is increasing throughout the world. The aim of the present study was to provide data to establish whether the laparoscopic approach to colorectal surgery in the obese patient represents a risk or, rather, a benefit for the patient.

Method: The data presented in this paper were obtained within the framework of a prospective multicenter study initiated by the "Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group (LCSSG)" and performed on 5,853 recruited patients.

Results of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in palliative intent: short-term end points in 331 patients in comparison with procedures in benign indications.

Background And Aims: Colorectal surgery performed in palliative intent is a relatively common intervention. The present study investigates the question whether such interventions are suitable for laparoscopic procedure.

Patients And Methods: The data presented herein were collected from 4834 patients within the framework of a multicenter study initiated by the "Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group (LCSSG).

Endoscopic treatment of thoracic esophageal anastomotic leaks by using silicone-covered, self-expanding polyester stents.

Background: Surgery, as well as conservative treatment, in patients with clinically apparent intrathoracic esophageal anastomotic leaks often is associated with poor results and carries a high morbidity and mortality. The successful treatment of esophageal anastomotic insufficiencies and perforations when using covered, self-expanding metallic stents is described.

Methods: The feasibility and the outcome of endoscopic treatment of intrathoracic anastomotic leakages when using silicone-covered self-expanding polyester stents were investigated.

Laparoscopic approach to treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis: changes in the spectrum of indications and results of a prospective, multicenter study on 1,545 patients.

Background: The aim of the present study was to analyze changes regarding the indications for and results of laparoscopic treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis.

Methods: The data were collected within the framework of an ongoing prospective multicenter study carried out by the Lapa roscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group and were submitted to a statistical subgroup analysis. The institutions participating in the study were divided into three groups by experience (Group I, >100 procedures; Group II, 30-100 procedures; Group III, < 30 procedures).

Laparoscopy for rectal carcinoma: abdominoperineal excision.

The enthusiasm for laparoscopic procedures in the field of visceral and colorectal surgery, in particular, has increased. Potential advantages include a reduction in pain as a result of less trauma, improved postoperative immune function, the earlier reestablishment of postoperative intestinal transit, shorter hospitalization, improved cosmesis, and reduced formation of intra-abdominal adhesions. In contrast to treatment for benign conditions, laparoscopic surgery with curative intent for malignancy is still controversial.