Diseases of the colon and rectum
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used analgesics in colorectal surgery. Controversy exists regarding the potential association between these drugs and anastomotic dehiscence. ⋯ Pooled observational data suggest an association between postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and intestinal anastomotic dehiscence. Caution may be warranted in using these medications in patients at risk for this complication.
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Observational Study
Adoption of Robotic Technology for Treating Colorectal Cancer.
Debate exists regarding the role of robotic-assisted surgery in colorectal cancer. Robotic-assisted surgery has been promoted as a strategy to increase the availability of minimally invasive surgery, which is associated with improved short-term morbidity; however, robotic-assisted surgery is much more expensive than laparoscopic surgery. ⋯ Robotic-assisted surgery uptake remains low for colon cancer but higher for rectal cancer surgery, suggesting a more thoughtful adoption of robotic-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer by focusing its use on more technically challenging cases.
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Insurance impacts access to therapeutic options, yet little is known about how healthcare reform might change the pattern of surgical admissions. ⋯ There was a unique and sustained decline in the rate of emergent colon resection among publically insured and uninsured patients after 2006 in Massachusetts, in contradistinction to the national pattern, suggesting improved access to care associated with health insurance expansion. The reasons for lack of improvement in outcomes are multifactorial.