National Trends in General Surgery Resident Exposure to Complex Oncology-Relevant Cases.

Objective: To evaluate trends in surgical resident exposure to complex oncologic procedures in order to determine whether additional fellowship training is necessary.

Design: An observational study of national Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case log statistical reports was conducted to determine the average number of cases for selected oncology-relevant procedures completed during training. Linear regression and Cusick trend tests were used to assess temporal trends with the null hypothesis assuming an estimated slope of zero.

Residents in distress: an exploration of assistance-seeking and reporting behaviors.

Background: This study explores assistance-seeking and reporting behaviors in surgical residents faced with stressful circumstances.

Methods: Three surgical societies distributed a multiple choice, free-text response survey to residents.

Results: One hundred sixty-four residents (39% male) responded; 58% of women (43% men) were married; and 22% of men (7% women) were international medical graduates.

Surgeons in Difficulty: An Exploration of Differences in Assistance-Seeking Behaviors between Male and Female Surgeons.

Background: Physician burnout is associated with diminished ability to practice with requisite skill and safety. Physicians are often reluctant to seek help for an impaired colleague or for impairment that affects their own ability to practice. To better support surgeons in difficulty, we explored sex differences in assistance-seeking behaviors under stress.

Hemorrhoids and fistulas: new solutions to old problems.

Symptoms thought related to hemorrhoids must be carefully considered before intervention. The first line of therapy for any hemorrhoidal complaint remains conservative management with increased fluid and fiber intake and appropriate modification of toileting behavior. Bleeding in grades 1 and 2 hemorrhoids that does not respond to this can be satisfactorily and safely managed with office-based therapies; some grade 3 hemorrhoids would also respond to this, though more treatment sessions would likely be required.

Teaching and Assessing Colorectal Surgery Residents in the Age of ACGME Competencies: Pieces of the Whole.

Educators have struggled with teaching and evaluation of the six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies since their introduction in 1999. In addition, many authors have questioned the construct validity of the competencies. Concern has also arisen regarding the educational effects of the competencies and the subsequent limitation of resident duty hours, the combination of which have forced unprecedented changes in American graduate medical education.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding colorectal cancer screening among medical students: a tale of two schools.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been shown to decrease the incidence of CRC cancers and decrease mortality. Studies show that the most important predictor of patient compliance with CRC screening is physician recommendation. We assessed the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding cancer screening.

Health-related information gathering practices in breast and colorectal specialty clinics: the end of the electronic divide?

Background: Health-related information can help patients understand their disease process and make informed decisions. We hypothesize that with the increased availability of Web-based resources, sociodemographic factors no longer impact Internet use among patients.

Methods: Study-specific surveys were administered to a convenience cohort of patients seen in the breast and colorectal specialty clinics at a single academic institution between August 2008 and February 2009.

Utilization of bovine acellular dermal matrix for abdominal wall reconstruction: a retrospective case series.

Abdominal wall reconstruction using nonabsorbable synthetic material can be challenging due to the risk for bacterial colonization and subsequent complications. Bioprosthetic materials are a safe alternative that can facilitate soft tissue reconstruction, including abdominal wall repair. To assess the short-term outcomes of using a bovine acellular dermal matrix in contaminated postsurgical wounds, charts of all patients who were managed using the bovine acellular dermal matrix between November 2006 and July 2007 were reviewed.

Anal fissure.

Anal fissure is a common problem, vexing to both patients and physicians. The historical mainstay of therapy has been some method of partial division of the internal anal sphincter with the serious potential complication of fecal incontinence. Nonsurgical treatment methods were therefore pursued, producing healing rates less than that seen after surgical therapy but none of the morbidity of surgery.

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.

Practice parameters for the treatment of perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano (revised).

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.

Practice parameters for the management of rectal cancer (revised).

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.