Long-term outcomes of the australasian randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic and conventional open surgical treatments for colon cancer: the Australasian Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Study trial.

Objective: : We report a multicentered randomized controlled trial across Australia and New Zealand comparing laparoscopic-assisted colon resection (LCR) with open colon resection (OCR) for colon cancer.

Background: : Colon cancer is a significant worldwide health issue. This trial investigated whether the short-term benefits associated with LCR for colon cancer could be achieved safely, without survival disadvantages, in our region.

Ethical issues with the disclosure of surgical trial short-term data.

Background: This paper describes the distinctions between major surgical and pharmaceutical trials and questions the application of a common ethical paradigm to guide their conduct and reporting.

Methods: Surgical trials differ from other trials in cumulative therapeutic effects, operator dependence, the clinical setting, interdependence of short- and long-term outcomes, and equipoise. A principal tenant of randomized controlled trial management is the maintenance of interim data confidentiality.

Factors influencing medical oncology referral in Dukes' C colonic cancer.

Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and adjuvant chemotherapy is proven to improve survival in patients with Dukes' C CRC. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing referral to medical oncology in patients with Dukes' C colonic cancer in our institutions.

Methods: Patients who underwent resection for Dukes' C colonic cancer were assessed for factors that influence the pattern of postoperative referral to the medical oncology department, including demographic and perioperative data.

Implantation of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer for faecal incontinence management.

Purpose: The primary objectives of this trial were to evaluate the safety and feasibility of treatment and to gain a preliminary indication of the effectiveness of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections into the anal sphincters of faecally incontinent patients.

Methods: Between April 2004 and February 2006, we conducted a prospective, single-arm, procedure optimization study of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections in 21 subjects with well-characterized faecal incontinence and an intact external anal sphincter at two Australian hospitals.

Results: There was a significant decrease in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS) (P= 0.

Initial impact of Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Objective: To examine the initial impact of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), which was launched in May 2006 and offers faecal occult blood testing to Australians aged 55 or 65 years.

Design And Setting: Review of data on colorectal cancer (CRC) cases diagnosed between May 2006 and June 2008 from a prospective database used at 19 Australian hospitals, linked and analysed by BioGrid Australia.

Main Outcome Measures: Number of CRC cases detected through the NBCSP or symptomatic presentation, and differences by sex, stage at diagnosis, tumour location and level of socioeconomic disadvantage.

Single-incision laparoscopically assisted colectomy using standard laparoscopic instrumentation.

Background: A prospective case series of transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic colectomies using conventional laparoscopic trocars and instruments is described.

Methods: Seven selected patients with colonic neoplasm underwent transumbilical SIL colectomy between November 2008 and March 2009. Three trocars via a single small umbilical incision were used.

Complete pathologic response after preoperative rectal cancer chemoradiotherapy.

Background: Following preoperative treatment of rectal cancer with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), a complete pathological response (CPR) can be seen in the surgical specimen. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of these patients as compared with those who did not have a complete response.

Methods: A retrospective study of the outcome of patients managed with preoperative CRT for their rectal cancer was conducted.

Australian and New Zealand study comparing laparoscopic and open surgeries for colon cancer in adults: organization and conduct.

This article describes the initiation and implementation of the multicentre Australia and New Zealand prospective randomized controlled clinical study comparing laparoscopic and conventional open surgical treatments of right-sided and left-sided potentially curable colon cancer (Australasian Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Study). Six hundred and one adult patients were admitted with a clinical diagnosis of a single adenocarcinoma based on a physical examination and colonoscopy, barium enema or computed tomography scan and randomly allocated to either laparoscopic or open surgery. The primary aim of the study is to compare 5-year mortality and tumour recurrence rates between the two groups.

Short-term outcomes of the Australasian randomized clinical study comparing laparoscopic and conventional open surgical treatments for colon cancer: the ALCCaS trial.

Background: Laparoscopy has revolutionized many abdominal surgical procedures. Laparoscopic colectomy has become increasingly popular. The short- and long-term benefits and satisfactory surgical oncological treatment of colorectal cancer by laparoscopic-assisted resection remain topical.

Six-year prospective analysis of the rectal bleeding clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.

Background: One-stop rectal bleeding clinics (RBC) are designed to diagnose and treat colorectal diseases that present with rectal bleeding. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital RBC is an open access clinic and is unique in South Australia. It offers flexible sigmoidoscopy and facilities for treating common anorectal conditions.

Self-expanding metallic stents for relieving malignant colorectal obstruction: a systematic review.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) placement for the relief of malignant colorectal obstruction in comparison to surgical procedures through a systematic review of the literature.

Summary Background Data: Conventional therapies for relieving colorectal obstructions caused by cancer have high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly when performed under emergency conditions, and palliative procedures resulting in colostomy creation can be a burden for patients and caregivers.

Methods: A systematic search strategy was used to retrieve relevant studies.

Endosonographic imaging of anal sphincter injury: does the size of the tear correlate with the degree of dysfunction?

Purpose: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the extent of anal sphincter muscle injury as graded at endosonography correlates with the degree of functional impairment.

Methods: Three hundred and thirty adults presenting for evaluation of fecal incontinence were recruited. Ultrasound was performed with a 7.