Colorectal Surgery

In this issue of the "Surgical Clinics of North America", the authors explore several recent advances in the workup and treatment of patients with benign and malignant colorectal diseases. This issue begins with a review of the genetics and recently identified genetic events and pathways associated with colorectal neoplasms. This issue will examine various advances in both radiological imaging and therapeutics, as well as gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures which have in many instances replaced traditional surgical procedures. The editors have included a discussion outlining the evidence, controversies, and technical aspects involved with both laparoscopic colon surgery as well as a separate discussion highlighting the current status of laparoscopic rectal surgery for both benign and malignant conditions. Separate chapters have also been devoted to discussing evolving technologies such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS), robotics and telemonitoring, and new techniques used in the treatment of common perianal diseases and fecal incontinence.
Several newer interventions including radiofrequency ablation, microwave coagulation, and hepatic arterial chemotherapy and newer systemic chemotherapeutics such as cetuximab, bevacizumab, and oxalaplatin are reviewed.