Essential Articles in Colorectal Surgery Four Colleagues Discuss the Evidence and Their Experience

This book is an anthology of important articles that have influenced partner surgeons in a colorectal surgical practice. Following the citations of these articles, there is a formal critique by one individual partner, then the remaining partners add their perspective presented in the form of a conversation. The contributions will be constructed as a discussion but will also include references to additional contemporary articles pertaining to the topic at hand. At times, the conversation will result in complete agreement, but there are other times where there could be differences, which could be anticipated given the individual background, age and time in practice of each surgeon. Highlighted throughout are situations where the practice has changed for the better, as well as other situations that remain open for discussion. The breadth of colorectal surgery as a specialty is covered, including anorectal surgery, abdominal surgery, both open and minimally invasive, inclusive of both benign and malignant disease.

Are resection margins important in Crohn's disease?- Handsewn vs. stapled ileocolic anastomosis in Crohn's disease.- Use of TNFa inhibitors and surgery for Crohn's disease.- Is early surgery for Crohn's disease preferable to continued anti-TNFa management?- Stapled vs. handsewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.- Intentional ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for Crohn's disease.- Revisionary surgery for failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.- Optimization of rectal cancer surgery: the concept of total mesorectal excision.- Similarity between sigmoid and high rectal cancers.- Distance from the anal verge and anastomotic leak after low anterior resection.- The fundamental role of Magnetic Resonance in rectal cancer staging.- Preoperative vs. postoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.- Synergy between preoperative radiotherapy and surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer.- Avoiding radiotherapy in selected cases of rectal cancer.- Total neoadjuvant treatment and organ preservation in rectal cancer.- Short course vs. long course radiotherapy before chemotherapy and surgery for rectal cancer.- The role of diverting loop ileostomy as an adjunct to low anterior resection for rectal cancer.- Laparoscopic vs. open proctectomy for rectal cancer.- Immunotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.- Surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer.- Laparoscopic vs. open colectomy for colon cancer.- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced colon cancer.- Surgery for locally recurrent colon cancer.- Avoiding surgery in asymptomatic patients with stage IV colon cancer.- High risk of local recurrence following local excision of T2 rectal cancer.- Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for rectal lesions.- Lateral lymph node metastatic involvement in rectal cancer.- Robotic surgery for rectal cancer.- Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) for rectal cancer.- The complex management of enterocutaneous fistula.- The advent of enhanced recovery protocols after surgery.- Laparoscopic lavage for complicated diverticulitis.- Laparoscopic vs. open sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis.- The advent of ligation of the intersphincteric tract to treat anal fistulas.- Rectal polyp, risk of malignancy and the limitations of Magnetic Resonance staging.- Management of positive air leak test after left-sided colorectal anastomosis.- Surgical management of small-bowel obstruction.- Reconstructive surgery after failed colorectal anastomosis.- Surgeon vs. patient perspectives on managing treatment associated risks.- Comparison of surgical treatments for rectal prolapse.

Colibaseanu Dorin, MD, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA

DeLeon Michelle, MD, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Merchea  Amit,  MD, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Stocchi Luca, MD, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA