Outcomes in the surgical treatment of low rectal cancer: does neoadjuvant treatment equalize results?

Background: The choice of operation for potentially curable cancer of the low rectum (≤6 cm from the anal verge) is usually between ultra low anterior resection (ULAR) or abdominal perineal excision (APE). Numerous studies have suggested improved results with ULAR.

Methods: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for a series of patients undergoing surgical treatment for low rectal cancer at three Melbourne hospitals.

Quality of life after surgery in individuals with familial colorectal cancer: does extended surgery have an adverse impact?

Background: There is controversy regarding the optimum surgical treatment of patients presenting with colorectal cancer with known or suspected genetic cancer syndromes. Although standard segmental resection may be curative, a high risk of metachronous malignancy leads many to advocate extended surgery. The current study was designed to assess whether or not extended surgery adversely impacts quality of life compared to segmental surgery.

Postgraduate surgical education and training in Canada and Australia: each may benefit from the other's experiences.

Canada and Australia share similar cultural origins and current multicultural societies and demographics but there are differences in climate and sporting pursuits. Surgeons and surgeon teachers similarly share many of the same challenges, but the health care and health-care education systems differ in significant ways. The objective of this review is to detail the different postgraduate surgical training programs with a focus on general surgery and how the programs of each country may benefit from appreciating the experiences of the other.

Concordance with clinical practice guidelines for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage I-III colon cancer: experience in 2 Canadian provinces.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer were published by the National Institutes of Health in 1991. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and Cancer Care Ontario have recommended adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with high-risk stage II colon cancer. We evaluated differences in concordance with guidelines in the treatment of patients with stage I-III colon cancer in the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario.

Training of Canadian general surgeons: are they really prepared? CAGS questionnaire on surgical training.

Background: General surgery in Canada varies from single system subspecialty practice in large centres to multisystem broad-based practice in smaller communities. We have attempted to determine whether Canadian training programs in general surgery are appropriate for these varied practices.

Methods: A questionnaire was circulated to members of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons to collect demographic data and information about community size and patterns of practice.