Robotic Colorectal Surgery Learning Curve and Case Complexity.

Purpose: To understand the role of case complexity in the learning curve for robotic colorectal surgery.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-two patients who underwent robot-assisted colorectal surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Each case was assigned a category of complexity ranging from I to IV.

What happens after a failed LIFT for anal fistula?

Background: Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) was developed to treat transsphincteric anal fistulas. The aftermath of a failed LIFT has not been well documented.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of LIFT procedure for transsphincteric anal fistula between March 2012 and September 2016.

Anal Adenocarcinoma: Outcomes in an Uncommon Malignancy.

Adenocarcinoma is an uncommon malignancy of the anal canal. Although it is recognized as an aggressive disease, optimal management and long-term outcomes are not well established. Patients diagnosed with anal adenocarcinoma were identified from a cancer database.

Colectomy for endoscopically unresectable polyps: how often is it cancer?

Background: Colonoscopy has an established role in reducing the burden of colorectal cancer through early detection and removal of polyps. For endoscopically unresectable polyps, colectomy is generally indicated to prevent malignant transformation or to remove cancer already present.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of malignancy and the factors predictive of malignancy in surgically resected benign polyps.

Routine postoperative upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopy is unnecessary after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement.

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has become an accepted procedure for weight loss surgery, particularly due to fewer early complications and decreased mortality in comparison to other bariatric procedures. Many centers use postoperative upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopy (UGI) to ensure stomal patency and gastric integrity at the banding site. However, UGI increases cost and may increase length of stay due to availability.