The Colectomy Improvement Project: Do Evidence-Based Guidelines Improve Institutional Colectomy Outcomes?

This study evaluates whether increased adherence to eight specific practice parameters leads to improved outcomes in patients undergoing elective colorectal resections. In addition, we analyzed whether physicians with better compliance achieved better patient outcomes. Compliance to practice parameters and subsequent outcomes were compared between two groups relative to an educational intervention promoting the eight best practice guidelines selected.

Radiation proctopathy.

Radiation therapy is a widely utilized treatment modality for pelvic malignancies, including prostate cancer, rectal cancer, and cervical cancer. Given its fixed position in the pelvis, the rectum is at a high risk for injury secondary to ionizing radiation. Despite advances made in radiation science, up to 75% of the patients will suffer from acute radiation proctitis and up to 20% may experience chronic symptoms.

Risk factors for anastomotic leak and mortality in diabetic patients undergoing colectomy: analysis from a statewide surgical quality collaborative.

Objectives: To determine the risk factors in diabetic patients that are associated with increased postcolectomy mortality and anastomotic leak.

Design: A prospectively acquired statewide database of patients who underwent colectomy was reviewed. Primary risk factors were diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia (glucose level ≥ 140 mg/dL), steroid use, and emergency surgery.

Evaluating the age distribution of patients with colorectal cancer: are the United States Preventative Services Task Force guidelines for colorectal cancer screening appropriate?

Purpose: Evaluate the appropriateness of the 2008 United States Preventative Services Task Force screening recommendations for colorectal cancer.

Methods: Ages at diagnosis data were collected on patients with colorectal cancer from the William Beaumont Tumor Registry. The database identified 6,925 patients treated for colorectal cancer between January 1973 and December 2007.