Diseases of the colon and rectum
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Evidence-based medicine relies on reproducible, high-quality reporting in the literature. Previous evaluations, which have assessed 11 basic elements of design and analysis in top impact clinical journals (both nonsurgical and surgical), have demonstrated that the reporting quality is less than perfect, although improving. The current study evaluates the quality of reporting in Diseases of the Colon and Rectum and other clinically related journals to identify specific areas where future improvements may be made. ⋯ For Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, the number of randomized, controlled trials and the quality of reporting is improving. However, although certain research standards are reported adequately, others are not. The calculation of statistical power is clearly important when interpreting randomized, controlled trial results (whether differences are reported or not), yet only 11 percent of studies contained this information. Improving the reporting of this single item would likely lead to improving the overall quality of clinical studies in colorectal surgery. Improved reporting might be best facilitated by having authors adhere to a list of explicitly determined elements that should be included.
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Comparative Study
Cost structure of laparoscopic and open sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease: similarities and differences.
Although laparoscopic colectomy has demonstrated a variety of advantages, it remains unclear whether the reductions in length of stay and faster return of bowel function will offset potential increases in cost caused by operating time and instrumentation. The purpose of this study was to compare the direct cost structure of elective open and laparoscopic resection for sigmoid diverticulitis. ⋯ The data demonstrate that laparoscopic colectomy is a cost-effective means of electively managing sigmoid diverticular disease. This operative approach may become very important in an era of increasing constraints on hospital occupancy rates and access to nursing services in many regions of the country.
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In case-control studies, it was reported that microsatellite instability might be helpful in predicting the development of metachronous multiple colorectal cancers. The purpose of this cohort-like study was to determine whether microsatellite instability is a novel independent marker in predicting metachronous colorectal carcinomas after colorectal cancer surgery. ⋯ These data indicate that microsatellite instability can be regarded as a novel independent and important marker for predicting the development of metachronous colorectal carcinoma after surgery.
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Abdominal rectopexy without sigmoid resection is usually associated with a hospital stay of four to ten days. Recent developments have shown that a multimodal rehabilitation program with epidural analgesia and early oral feeding and mobilization will reduce hospital stay after colonic resection. The aim of this study was to describe the results after abdominal rectopexy with a multimodal rehabilitation program. ⋯ Median hospital stay after abdominal rectopexy may be reduced to three days with postoperative multimodal rehabilitation.
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Magnetic stimulation of the sacral nerve roots is used for neurologic examination. However, no one has reported therapeutic efficacy of pain relief from pudendal neuralgia with sacral magnetic stimulation. ⋯ This pilot study indicates that magnetic stimulation of the sacral nerve roots may be a promising therapeutic modality for pain relief from pudendal neuralgia and sciatica. Further studies should be performed to determine the appropriate intensity and frequency, as well as the utility of a second course, of magnetic stimulation treatment.