Rectal Cancer Watch & Wait Management: Experience of 545 Patients from the U.S. Rectal Cancer Research Group.

Background: The use of a watch and wait management strategy following a complete clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer is increasing. However, insights into implementation, treatments, and outcomes, on a United States national level, are limited.

Objective: To investigate and report on watch & wait management practices and outcomes in the US.

Implementation of a Holistic Review Process of US Allopathic Medical Students Eliminates Non-Comparable Metrics and Bias in General Surgery Residency Interview Invitations.

Objective: Use of traditional scoring metrics for residency recruitment creates racial and gender bias. In addition, widespread use of pass/fail grading has led to noncomparable data. To adjust to these challenges, we developed a holistic review (HR) rubric for scoring residency applicants for interview selection.

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer: Multi-center Comparison of Induction Chemotherapy and Long-Course Chemoradiation Versus Short-Course Radiation and Consolidative Chemotherapy.

Background: Total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer may include induction chemotherapy and chemoradiation or short-course radiotherapy and consolidative chemotherapy.

Methods: Patients with clinical stage 2 or 3 rectal cancer who received induction chemotherapy followed by long-course chemoradiation at the University of Colorado (2016-2020) or short-course radiotherapy followed by consolidative chemotherapy at Washington University (2017-2020) were assessed.

Results: Eighty-four patients received induction chemotherapy and chemoradiation and 83 received short-course radiotherapy and consolidative chemotherapy.

Rectal Cancer: Clinical and Molecular Predictors of a Complete Response to Total Neoadjuvant Therapy.

Background: Total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer may increase pathological complete response rates, potentially allowing for a nonoperative approach.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify patient and tumor characteristics that predict a complete response following total neoadjuvant therapy.

Design: This was a retrospective cohort study.

Diagnosis and Management of Colonic Volvulus.

An 88-year-old man with no significant medical history, and in a good state of health, presented to the emergency department with 4 days of obstipation, progressive abdominal pain, and bloating. Examination revealed abdominal distension and generalized tenderness without signs of peritonitis. Laboratory values, including lactate and complete blood count, were within normal limits.

Outcomes of atherectomy for lower extremity ischemia in an office endovascular center.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of infrainguinal artery revascularization via atherectomy supplemented with other endovascular techniques in an office endovascular center (OEC) setting.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted examining 352 lower extremity atherectomy revascularization procedures between 2011 and 2016 at an OEC by five board-certified vascular surgeons. Patients received laser atherectomy or orbital atherectomy followed by angioplasty or angioplasty and stent placement as needed.

Analysis of the retrograde tibial artery approach in lower extremity revascularization in an office endovascular center.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a retrograde tibial approach in revascularization of lower extremities for treatment of ischemia in anatomically challenging patients.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 57 procedures performed between 2012 and 2016 using the retrograde approach to treat patients with flush occlusion, inability to cross the lesion, failed bypass, or hostile groin. Demographic data, Rutherford classes, vessels treated, and approach were noted.