Introduction Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes account for approximately 5% of all colorectal cancers. Traditionally they have been categorized according to the number and histologic features of colorectal polyps in affected patients, although there is significant blurring of the distinction between…
Introduction Cancer is a disorder of cellular growth and differentiation that is due to a loss of function of regulatory pathways and feedback loops. Colorectal cancer is an excellent example of this mechanism because access via colonoscopy to the spectrum…
Screening for Colorectal Cancer In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and females. The age-adjusted incidence rate during the period 2006-2010 was 52.2 per 100,000 men and 39.3 per 100,000 women…
Introduction Malignant polyps of the large intestine can be divided into polypoid cancers, which are largely cancerous lesions with a polypoid shape, and polyps that are mostly benign but have a focus of cancer. Polypoid cancers are generally unsuited to…
Introduction Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also known as Ogilvie syndrome, is a nonmechanical, functional obstruction of the large intestine. It has become a well-known clinical entity, but in many regards it is poorly understand and difficult to manage. In 1948 a…
Introduction In this chapter, we review the presentation, diagnostic strategy, and treatment algorithms for colonic volvulus. Colonic volvulus is the torsion of a mobile loop of bowel with an elongated mesentery and a narrow pedicle. The twisting of the bowel…
Introduction A large bowel obstruction results from a narrowing of the colorectal lumen that restricts passage of gas and stool. It is a relatively common surgical emergency. Because the condition may be the result of many combinations of causes, locations,…
Introduction Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage refers to blood loss originating distal to the ligament of Treitz that is symptomatic and necessitates hospital admission. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. Although rectal hemorrhage can be seen in any age group,…
Introduction Surgical management of patients presenting with complications of diverticular disease can be elective, semi-elective, or an emergency, depending on the severity of the disease and patient comorbidities. A laparoscopic sigmoid resection is the preferred procedure in the elective setting,…
Introduction Colonic diverticula are false diverticula—that is, pockets composed of mucosa and submucosa that have herniated through weaknesses in the colon wall at the points where intramural vasa recta penetrate the inner circular muscle of the bowel ( Fig. 48-1,…