Introduction Ventral hernias can occur after any abdominal incision. They are relatively common after open colorectal surgery, and patients with an abdominal stoma are particularly prone to the development of hernias. Patients with ventral hernias often present a complex surgical…
Background Major surgery is usually followed by pain, stress-induced organ dysfunction, and catabolism. These sequelae increase the risk of cardiopulmonary, infectious, thromboembolic, and cognitive complications and functional impairment, prolong hospitalization, and require rehabilitation and readmission. The concept of “fast-track surgery”…
Introduction One of the most essential and least understood issues affecting colorectal surgeons is accurate medical documentation and coding via the current procedural terminology (CPT) coding system. This coding system encompasses a broad framework for capturing the components of physician…
Introduction Outcome measurement can be defined various ways. One definition is “a measure of the quality of medical care, the standard against which the end result of an intervention is assessed.” Another definition is “the determination and evaluation of the…
Rehabilitation of the patient with a stoma or complicated wound is the responsibility of the entire health care team, and thus it is important that all members understand the principles and techniques of ostomy and wound management. As Dr. Rupert…
Introduction The term ostomy originates from the Latin word stoma, meaning “opening” or “origin,” and from the Greek word stomat, meaning “mouth.” Historically it is unclear when and how the first ostomies were created, although evidence suggests that the earliest…
Introduction Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is complex and more technically demanding than many common laparoscopic procedures performed by general surgeons. Advanced laparoscopic skills are required to manipulate and mobilize sections of bowel, control and divide large mesenteric vessels, extract large specimens,…
Introduction Urologic issues pertaining to colorectal surgery can be broadly categorized according to the organ involved: the ureter, bladder, or urethra and their associated nerves and vessels. Because both colorectal surgeons and urologists have become more familiar with laparoscopic techniques,…
Introduction Pelvic dissection is inherent to the management of many rectal, urologic, and gynecologic conditions, and operating deep in the pelvis requires an intimate knowledge of the anatomy of this region. Whether performed in an open, laparoscopic, or robotic manner,…
Introduction Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colonic investigation. It is a sensitive diagnostic tool and provides a nonsurgical approach for the removal of colonic and rectal polyps. However, colonoscopy is invasive. It can be a challenging procedure to perform…