The September 2020 issue of the journal Diseases of the Colon and Rectum is out! Be among the first to read it along with the editor’s top picks

Title: The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Rectal Cancer
Authors: You, Y. Nancy M.D., M.H.Sc.; Hardiman, Karin M. M.D.; Bafford, Andrea M.D.; Poylin, Vitaliy M.D.; Francone, Todd D. M.D., M.P.H.; Davis, Kurt M.D.; Paquette, Ian M. M.D.; Steele, Scott R. M.D., M.B.A.; Feingold, Daniel L. M.D.; On Behalf of the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Description: These guidelines are intended for the use of all practitioners, health care workers, and patients who desire information about the management of the conditions addressed by the topics covered in these guidelines.

 
Title: Complications and Impact on Quality of Life of Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps for Reconstruction in Pelvic Exenteration Surgery

Authors: Gabrielle H. van Ramshorst, M.D., Ph.D. • Jane M. Young, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., Ph.D.  •  Michael J. Solomon, M.Sc., D.Med.Sc., D.Med.
Description:   Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps in pelvic exenteration surgery have a high incidence of morbidity that has significant impact on hospital stay and a temporary impact on quality of life. Flap reconstruction should be used selectively in pelvic exenteration surgery.

Title: Abnormal Neuronal Response to Rectal and Anal Stimuli in Patients Treated for Distal Rectal Cancer With High-Dose Chemoradiotherapy Followed By Watchful Waiting

Authors: Susanne Haas, Ph.D. • Pia Møller Faaborg, Ph.D. • Christina Brock, Ph.D. • , Klaus Krogh, D.Ms. • Mikkel Gram, Ph.D. • Lilli Lundby, Ph.D. • Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, D.Ms. • Søren Laurberg, D.Ms. • Peter Christensen, D.Ms.
Description:  Chemoradiation therapy for distal rectal cancer causes abnormal cortical processing of both anal and rectal sensory input. Such central changes may play a role in symptomatic patients, especially when refractory to local treatments.  

Title: Does IBD Portend Worse Outcomes in Patients with Rectal Cancer? A Case-Matched Analysis

Authors: Ahmad Alsughayer, M.B.B.S. • Fabian Grass, M.D. • Nicholas P. McKenna, M.D.  •  Molly Petersen, B.S.• Kellie L. Mathis, M.D.1 • Amy L. Lightner, M.D.  

Description:  Patients have rectal cancer with IBD and without IBD have similar long-term and disease-free survival, despite lower rates of neoadjuvant treatment and higher margin positivity in patients with IBD.

Title: Are There Variations in Mortality From Diverticular Disease By Sex? 

Authors: Naomi M. Sell, M.D., M.H.S. • Numa P. Perez, M.D. • Caitlin E. Stafford, B.S. •  David Chang, M.B.A., Ph.D. • Liliana G. Bordeianou, M.D. • Todd D. Francone, M.D. • Hiroko Kunitake, M.D. • Rocco Ricciardi, M.D., M.P.H.

Description:   Females have a higher incidence of diverticular disease mortality. Their deaths are more commonly secondary to nonsurgical infections, obstruction, or pelvic fistulae. Female patients represent a particularly vulnerable population that may benefit from more intensive diverticulitis evaluation.

Title: Long-Term Anatomical and Functional Results of Robot-Assisted Pelvic Floor Surgery for the Management of Multicompartment Prolapse: A Prospective Study

Authors: Femke van Zanten, M.D. • Emma M. van der Schans, M.D. • Esther C.J. Consten, M.D., Ph.D. • Paul M. Verheijen, M.D., Ph.D. • Egbert Lenters, M.D. • Ivo A.M.J. Broeders, M.D., Ph.D. •  Steven E. Schraffordt Koops, M.D., Ph.D.

Description:  Ninety percent of patients were recurrence free 48 months after robot-assisted sacrocolporectopexy. Symptoms of vaginal bulge, quality of life, constipation, and fecal incontinence improved significantly. However, a subgroup of patients showed persistent bowel complaints that underlie the complexity of multicompartment prolapse.

Title: Meta-analysis of Postoperative Mortality and Morbidity After Total Abdominal Colectomy Versus Loop Ileostomy With Colonic Lavage for Fulminant Clostridium Difficile Colitis

Authors: Felsenreich, Daniel Moritz M.D.; Gachabayov, Mahir M.D., Ph.D.; Rojas, Aram M.D.; Latifi, Rifat M.D.; Bergamaschi, Roberto M.D., Ph.D.

Description: This meta-analysis suggests that loop ileostomy with colonic lavage for fulminant C difficile colitis may be associated with similar survival and decreased surgical site infection rates as compared with total abdominal colectomy. Although loop ileostomy with colonic lavage was associated with higher ostomy reversal rates, this finding was based on the data from only 2 studies.