Diseases of the colon and rectum
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A multimodality approach to patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer that includes surgery is associated with a significant survival advantage when tumor-free margins are achieved. Patients with advanced tumors will require extended sacropelvic resection to optimize oncologic outcomes. ⋯ We found extended sacropelvic resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer to be feasible and safe with overall and disease-free survival rates in comparison with survival rates seen in patients undergoing nonsacropelvic resections for locally recurrent rectal cancer.
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Multicenter Study
Risk factors for readmission after elective colectomy: postoperative complications are more important than patient and operative factors.
Colon resections are associated with substantial risk for morbidity and readmissions, and these have become markers for quality of care. ⋯ Postoperative complications account for the majority of risk factors behind readmissions after elective colectomy, whereas preoperative risk factors have less direct influence. Current strategies addressing readmission rates should focus on reducing preventable complications.
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Comparative Study
Does sedation type affect colonoscopy perforation rates?
Sedation with propofol is gaining popularity. It is unclear whether sedation with propofol is associated with colonoscopic perforation. ⋯ This study shows that propofol administration is associated with an increased risk of colonoscopic perforation among patients undergoing a therapeutic colonoscopy; however, this association was not evident in patients undergoing a diagnostic colonoscopy. Further studies, such as a prospective, randomized clinical trial, should be done to further evaluate this association.
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Poor public awareness may account for the advanced stage at diagnosis, hence, poorer survival. With the aim of reducing colorectal cancer deaths, the United Kingdom National Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign was rolled out from January 2012. Currently, the United Kingdom government target is to have all patients suspected to have cancer seen within 2 weeks of referral from general practitioners. This has significant impact on the workload for endoscopists. ⋯ The National Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign significantly increased the demand for colorectal services. With a potentially more favorable oncological outcome, further evaluation of supporting this greater workload demand is warranted.
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Sham feeding has been shown to hasten the return of GI function following colorectal surgery, before the advent of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Few data exist regarding the efficacy of sham feeding in the modern era, with rapid postoperative feeding. ⋯ Sham feeding following colorectal surgery is safe, results in small improvements in GI recovery, and is associated with a reduction in the length of hospital stay. It confers no advantage if patients are placed on a rapid postoperative feeding regime.