Diseases of the colon and rectum
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The impact of obesity per se on the surgical strategy, ie, sphincter sacrifice (abdominoperineal resection) vs sphincter-preserving resection, outcomes, and long-term maintenance of intestinal continuity has been poorly studied in patients with mid and low rectal cancer. ⋯ At a high-volume specialized colorectal unit, proctectomy can be performed in obese patients with similar long-term oncologic outcomes and ability to restore intestinal continuity in comparison with nonobese patients. Proctectomy in obese patients, however, is associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak in comparison with nonobese patients.
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Prognosis in rectal cancer is closely related to mesorectal integrity, margin status, and adequate lymph node dissection. The impact of laparoscopy on the pathologic and short-term outcomes remains controversial. ⋯ Laparoscopy for primary rectal cancer is associated with a greater number of lymph nodes as well as short-term benefits.
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National quality initiatives have mandated the earlier removal of urinary catheters after surgery to decrease urinary tract infection rates. A potential unintended consequence is an increased postoperative urinary retention rate. ⋯ The practice of earlier urinary catheter removal must be balanced with operative time and fluid volume to avoid high urinary retention rates. Also important is increased vigilance for the early detection of retention.
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Computed tomography-colonography is a diagnostic modality that can be used when the colon is not completely intubated during colonoscopy. It may have the additional advantage that information on extracolonic lesions can be obtained. ⋯ Computed tomography-colonography can be of added value in patients with incomplete colonoscopy, because it revealed 27 relevant additional (both intra- and extracolonic) lesions in 19.1% of patients. In cases where CT-colonography detected colorectal cancer after incomplete colonoscopy, it can also be used for staging purposes.
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Review Meta Analysis
Enhanced recovery after surgery programs versus traditional care for colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Enhanced recovery after surgery programs in colorectal surgery aim to attenuate the surgical stress response, reduce complications and shorten hospital stay. ⋯ Enhanced recovery after surgery programs are safe and effective, and increased implementation is justified for perioperative care in colorectal surgery. Future studies may examine the benefits of enhanced recovery after surgery programs in elderly patients and in other GI surgery.