Diseases of the colon and rectum
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Comparative Study
Laparoscopic-assisted vs. open ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: functional outcome in a case-matched series.
Functional outcomes in laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have been incompletely studied. More than one-year follow-up has rarely been reported in these patients. This study was designed to assess operative, functional, and quality of life outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis a minimum of one year after. ⋯ The function and quality of life outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis seem to be equivalent to our open experience. Laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis offers selected patients a safe, feasible, and durable alternative.
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This study was designed to describe the consequences of diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer for paid and unpaid labor over time and to identify sociodemographic-related factors, treatment-related factors, and quality of life-related factors associated with paid and unpaid labor. ⋯ Diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer affect paid and unpaid labor. The impact on paid labor is most pronounced. Multiple other sociodemographic and quality of life-related variables also were associated with paid labor. Patient information and decision making on preoperative radiotherapy should include the effects on paid labor, and interventions focused on promoting paid labor participation in patients with rectal cancer should be tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of those patients.
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Serum carcinoembryonic antigen elevation without detectable relapse during colorectal cancer follow-up presents a challenge. This study was designed to evaluate the utility of fluorine-18-labeled 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography in colorectal cancer patients with unexplained carcinoembryonic antigen elevation at different levels. ⋯ 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography can help triage patients for appropriate management with unexplained carcinoembryonic antigen elevation <25 ng/ml. For patients with unexplained elevation of carcinoembryonic antigen >25 ng/ml, the utility of positron emission tomography is mainly to confirm the presence of advanced disease and occasionally to identify potentially resectable lesions.