Colorectal general surgery

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is a serious clinical problem after colorectal resections and is associated with a significantly increased length of stay, morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of changes in clinical practice on anastomotic leakage rate after colorectal resections. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study based on prospectively collected data. All 894 patients with primary anastomosis after colorectal resection at a tertiary referral center between 2006 and 2013 were analyzed...

A 79-year-old obese man with obstructive sleep apnea, who ambulates with assistance comes to you to discuss post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy. His last colonoscopy was performed 5 years ago, during which two small adenomas were removed.

BACKGROUND: Defaecatory function is often poor after anterior resection. Denervation of the neorectum following high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is a possible cause of impaired defaecatory function. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to clarify whether the level of ligation of the IMA in patients with rectal cancer affects defaecatory function. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2011, patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer were randomized to receive either high or low ligation of the IMA...

The value of fast-track (FT) multimodal recovery programs in improving hospitalization of surgical patients has been widely proved. The application of FT protocols to laparoscopic colorectal surgery seems to maximize the effects of the minimally invasive approach. The objectives of this randomized-controlled trial are to compare the short-term outcomes (bowel function, return to oral nutrition, day of discharge, fatigue, time to resume normal activities, functional capabilities, and readmission rate) of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic high anterior resection (HAR) following either a FT or a standard program...

Recent guidelines recommend an individualized approach to recurrent uncomplicated diverticulitis, reflecting research showing that non-operative treatment is safe. Thus, the majority of operations for diverticulitis in the future may be for complicated indications. A laparoscopic approach may be used for both acute and chronic complicated diverticulitis in appropriate patients, as described in the American and European guidelines. However, a safe approach to minimally invasive surgery requires recognition when conditions deteriorate or are not suited to laparoscopy as well as knowledge of a variety of technical maneuvers that elucidate difficult anatomy and facilitate resection...