Predictors of curative-intent oncologic management among patients with stage IV rectal cancer.

Background: Management of stage IV rectal adenocarcinoma is categorized into curative and palliative-intent strategies. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of and associations with curative-intent treatment in stage IV rectal cancer.

Methods: The National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2016 was queried for patients with stage IV rectal adenocarcinoma and were grouped into curative-intent and non-curative management.

Association of Women Surgeons 2020 Presidential Address: Sculpting our Future.

This article is a textual record of the Presidential Address from the Association of Women Surgeons Annual Conference in 2020. This year (2020) has been a tumultuous year exposing inequities in Surgery and health care. Even during these challenging times, the ability to sculpt our future rests in our hands.

The impact of enteric fistulas on US hospital systems.

Background: There is limited characterization of patients with enteric fistula. Our objective is to determine the incidence of the disease, and characterize demographics, healthcare costs, co-diagnoses, and procedures in this population.

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample database 2004-2014 was queried to identify patients with enteric fistula using ICD-9 code 569.

Disparities in neoadjuvant radiation dosing for treatment of rectal cancer.

Background: Certain patients are less likely to undergo appropriate cancer treatment, worsening their overall cancer survival. The purpose of this investigation was to identify factors associated with inadequate neoadjuvant radiation for rectal cancer.

Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant radiation 2006-2014.

Policies and practice regarding pregnancy and maternity leave: An international survey.

Background: As women become a larger part of the surgical workforce, policies surrounding maternity and parental leave play a role in professional practice. Little is known about leave policies worldwide.

Methods: A de novo survey distributed internationally to women surgeons assessed leave polices for surgeons, inclusive of the regulatory body or source of applicable policies, changes in surgical practice due to pregnancy, and duration of leave for both parents.

Treatment for anal fissure: Is there a safe option?

Background: Surgeons often approach anal fissure with chemical denervation (Botulinum toxin, BT) instead of initial lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) due to concerns for long-term incontinence. We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of patients who received BT or LIS.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing LIS and BT for anal fissure between 2009 and 2015.

Chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is pain lasting longer than 6 months and is estimated to occur in 15% of women. Causes of pelvic pain include disorders of gynecologic, urologic, gastroenterologic, and musculoskeletal systems. The multidisciplinary nature of chronic pelvic pain may complicate diagnosis and treatment.