Evolving therapy for fecal incontinence.

Background: Fecal incontinence is common and can be socially debilitating. Nonoperative management of fecal incontinence includes dietary modification, antidiarrheal medication, and biofeedback. The traditional surgical approach is sphincteroplasty if there is a defect of the external sphincter.

Laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease: a meta-analysis.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in Crohn's disease.

Methods: A search of published studies in English between January 1990 and February 2006 was performed by using the MEDLINE and PubMed databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The studies were reviewed by two independent assessors.

Colorectal clinical pathways: a method of improving clinical outcome?

Objective: Clinical pathways are intended to improve the quality of care. In March 2001, our unit implemented a pathway for patients undergoing major colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to assess its impact on the quality of patient care.