Neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer decreases the number of lymph nodes harvested in operative specimens.

Background: We evaluated the effect of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) on lymph node harvest in rectal cancer patients undergoing anatomic resection with curative intent.

Methods: A prospectively maintained database was retrospectively queried for rectal cancer cases from 1990 to 2010. Demographic data, NAT, and lymph node yield were analyzed.

The Delorme repair for full-thickness rectal prolapse: a retrospective review.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess our colorectal surgical training program experience with the Delorme procedure for complete rectal prolapse.

Methods: Consecutive patients were identified from a surgical database and evaluated by chart review.

Results: Seventy-six patients with a mean follow-up period of 3.

Male cryptoglandular fistula surgery outcomes: a retrospective analysis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cryptoglandular fistula surgery outcomes in men with common types of fistulae.

Method: A database review identified study patients. Exclusion criteria included history of previous fistula, previous anorectal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic radiation, complex fistula, age <21 years, and absence of follow-up.

Long-term outlook after successful fibrin glue ablation of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistula-in-ano.

Purpose: Initial success rates for fibrin glue ablation of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas have been disappointing. We examined long-term outcomes after initially successful fibrin glue ablation of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas.

Methods: Retrospective review identified 36 adult patients with cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistula Tisseel VH(R) fibrin glue ablation that was performed from May 2000 to March 2005.

Hemorrhoidopexy staple line height predicts return to work.

Purpose: Previous studies identified reduction in pain and complications with stapled hemorrhoidopexy relative to conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Previously, the presence of resected squamous epithelium and a staple line height <20 mm above the dentate line were predictive of postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to further investigate and refine the role of staple height in the prediction of postoperative outcomes.

Chronic anal fissure: 1994 and a decade later--are we doing better?

Background: Debate exists regarding whether the use of topical agents and Botox injections are as efficacious as sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed to assess changes in management and outcomes of chronic anal fissure care in a community based colorectal practice between the individual years 1994 and 2003.

Results: Forty-seven patients in 1994 underwent lateral partial internal sphincterotomy and had a 100% healing rate.

Safety and outcome of use of nonabsorbable mesh for repair of fascial defects in the presence of open bowel.

Purpose: Historically, there has been reluctance to use nonabsorbable synthetic mesh for repair of abdominal-wall defects in an operative field in which the presence of open bowel is accompanied by the potential for contamination. Some believe the risk of wound infection and mesh removal in this setting to be unacceptably high. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nonabsorbable mesh used for hernia repair in the presence of a stoma or at the time of colon resection.