Diseases of the colon and rectum
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A positive circumferential resection margin has been associated with a high risk of local recurrence and a decrease in survival in patients who have rectal cancer. ⋯ Circumferential resection margin is an important measurement in rectal cancer pathology, but the correlation to local recurrence is much less than previously stated, probably because of oncological treatment and surgery that respects the mesorectal fascia and, when required, en bloc resections. Circumferential resection margin should not be used as a prognostic marker in the modern multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer.
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Previous research has identified a number of patient and operative factors associated with anastomotic leak after colectomy; however, a study that examines these factors on a national level with direct coding for anastomotic leak is lacking. ⋯ This study identified patient and operative risk factors for anastomotic leak on a national scale. It also demonstrates that these patients have increased morbidity and 30-day mortality rates, experience multiple readmissions to the hospital, and have a higher likelihood of requiring further operative intervention.
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There are scant data on the presumed reduction of small-bowel obstruction and incisional hernia rates associated with laparoscopic IPAA. ⋯ Some of the anticipated long-term benefits of laparoscopic IPAA could not be demonstrated in this cohort. The lack of such long-term benefits should be discussed with patients when proposing a laparoscopic approach.
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Local excision for early rectal cancer has gained widespread interest. Currently available imaging modalities have low sensitivity to detect locoregional disease, which may result in understaging and a high risk of recurrence after local excision. ⋯ Even in highly selected patients who undergo surgery for local recurrence after transanal excision of early stage rectal cancer, oncologic outcomes are poor.