Increasing Colorectal Screening Uptake in Spouses of Patients With Colorectal Cancer Using a Randomized Behavioral Trial.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the few cancers for which screening has been associated with better survival and morbidity, but screening uptake has been underexplored in spouses of existing patients with CRC. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a brief, structured behavioral intervention delivered to spouses of patients with CRC in a colorectal clinical setting could increase fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uptake within 3 months of the study period.

Methods: This study was designed as a block randomized, unblinded, parallel trial conducted in the colorectal outpatient clinics of 2 public tertiary hospitals in Singapore from December 2017 to February 2023.

Case report on a rare complication after transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for rectal malignancy vesicorectal fistula.

Introduction And Importance: Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME) represents the latest surgical approach in rectal cancer management. We present a rare case of vesicorectal fistula (VRF) following a complication of TaTME surgery.

Case Presentation: A 67-year-old male underwent a Hartmann's procedure for perforated rectosigmoid cancer in 2019.

Feasibility of a Geriatric Oncology Longitudinal End to End (GOLDEN) Program in a Tertiary Cancer Center in Singapore.

Introduction: In the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), 2 pilot programs providing (i) surgical prehabilitation before cancer surgery and (ii) geriatric oncology support for older adults planned for chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were merged to form the Geriatric Oncology Longitudinal End to eNd (GOLDEN) program in 2019 to support patients from the time of their cancer diagnosis, through their treatment process, to cancer survivorship.

Methods And Materials: Older adults aged ≥65 years were enrolled in either surgical prehabilitation, the geriatric medical oncology (GO) arm, or both. All patients undergo a geriatric assessment.

Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: it's come a long way and here to stay.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) was introduced as a novel technique to deal with rectal cancers. Its transanal approach offered the shortest distance to approach a challenging location, allowing an excellent visualization of the distal resection margin. Since its introduction in 2010, a significant amount of research has been put in to measure its development.

Robotic or transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) approach for rectal cancer, how about both? Feasibility and outcomes from a single institution.

Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is technically challenging. Robotic and transanal TME (TaTME) are both novel approaches developed to provide better visualization and dissection. We aim to combine both approaches in a hybrid procedure and evaluate the feasibility as well as patient and oncological outcomes in this study.

Are hemoglobin levels really lower in faecal immunochemical test positive patients with colorectal cancer?

Introduction: Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is advocated in many colorectal cancer-screening programs. A positive FIT translates to the need for a colonoscopy. However, waiting times for diagnostic colonoscopy is long.

Is gastroscopy for fecal immunochemical test positive patients worthwhile?

Background: The use of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in the screening for colorectal cancer is long established. However, more than 50 % of patients with positive FITs have a negative colonoscopy. The role of a subsequent oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) is debatable.

Goal-directed program after sleeve gastrectomy improves weight loss.

Background: The aim of our study is to determine if a goal-directed program improves weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy.

Methods: Our goal-directed program involves setting excess weight loss targets at fixed intervals after sleeve gastrectomy. We identified patients in 3 bariatric centers between April 2010 and July 2013 and compared the center that has a goal-directed weight loss program (goal-directed program) with the other 2 centers (standard program).

Is Elective Gastroscopy Prior to Bariatric Surgery in an Asian Cohort Worthwhile?

Background: The preoperative use of gastroscopy for patients undergoing bariatric surgery remains controversial. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic yield of gastroscopy and the clinical significance in asymptomatic individuals undergoing bariatric surgery in Asia.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients undergoing gastroscopy prior to bariatric surgery at the National University Hospital and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, between Jan 2006 and June 2013.