Morbidity Associated with Diverting Loop Ileostomies: Weighing Diversion in Rectosigmoid Resection.

Anterior resection with primary anastomosis is the procedure of choice for patients with rectosigmoid cancers with good sphincter function. Surgeons may perform an associated diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) to minimize the likelihood and/or the severity of an anastomotic leak. To examine the morbidity of DLIs, we performed a review of a prospectively maintained database.

Endoscopic piecemeal resection of large colorectal polyps with long-term followup.

Background: Colonoscopic removal of large colorectal polyps is challenging and requires advanced endoscopic technique. Successful endoscopic management not only avoids the morbidity of surgery but also risks perforation, hemorrhage, and recurrence.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing cautery snare piecemeal polypectomy for large colorectal polyps by a single operator over 20 years with long-term followup.

Early-stage rectal cancer: clinical and pathologic prognostic markers of time to local recurrence and overall survival after resection.

Background: Resection without adjuvant therapy results in a low recurrence rate for patients with stage I (T1/2 N0) rectal cancer in the range of 4% to 16% at 5 years. There are limited data, however, regarding clinical or pathologic prognostic markers for recurrence in this population.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical and pathologic factors associated with local recurrence and overall survival in patients with early-stage rectal cancer after resection.

Wound dehiscence after abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer is associated with decreased survival.

Background: Abdominoperineal resection for low rectal adenocarcinoma is a common procedure with high morbidity, including perineal wound complications.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for perineal wound dehiscence and to investigate the effect of wound dehiscence on survival.

Design: This was a retrospective medical chart review.

Short-term outcomes in obese patients after colectomy for adenocarcinoma at a bariatric center.

Introduction: Obesity (body mass index ≥30) is associated with worse outcomes after colon cancer surgery. Most research, however, has been performed outside bariatric centers of excellence. We sought to determine the relationship between obesity and outcomes after colon cancer resection when performed at a center with bariatric expertise.

Sigmoidectomy syndrome? Patients' perspectives on the functional outcomes following surgery for diverticulitis.

Background: Bowel function following surgery for diverticulitis has not previously been systematically described.

Objective: This study aimed to document the frequency, severity, and predictors of suboptimal bowel function in patients who have undergone sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis.

Design: This study is a retrospective analysis.

The effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy on the prognostic value of lymph nodes after rectal cancer surgery.

Background: Neoadjuvant therapy may affect the prognostic impact of total lymph node harvests and lymph node positivity after surgery for rectal cancer.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 390 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed rectal cancer. Postoperative follow-up evaluation and survival were confirmed via medical record review.

Perioperative treatment with infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is not associated with an increased rate of postoperative complications.

Purpose: The impact of infliximab (IFX) on postoperative complications in surgical patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is unclear. We examined a large patient cohort to clarify whether a relationship exists between IFX and postoperative complications.

Methods: A total of 413 consecutive patients--188 (45.

Practice parameters for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is dedicated to assuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. The Standards Committee is composed of Society members who are chosen because they have demonstrated expertise in the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. This committee was created to lead international efforts in defining quality care for conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus.

Direct evidence that the VEGF-specific antibody bevacizumab has antivascular effects in human rectal cancer.

The effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockade on the vascular biology of human tumors are not known. Here we show here that a single infusion of the VEGF-specific antibody bevacizumab decreases tumor perfusion, vascular volume, microvascular density, interstitial fluid pressure and the number of viable, circulating endothelial and progenitor cells, and increases the fraction of vessels with pericyte coverage in rectal carcinoma patients. These data indicate that VEGF blockade has a direct and rapid antivascular effect in human tumors.