Desmoid Disease
Introduction Desmoid disease is a benign proliferation of fibroblasts that produces a spectrum of manifestations from rapidly growing tumors to indolent nodules and flat sheets of tissue that distort surrounding…
Colonic Pseudo- obstruction (Ogilvie Syndrome)
Introduction Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also known as Ogilvie syndrome, is a nonmechanical, functional obstruction of the large intestine. It has become a well-known clinical entity, but in many regards it…
Management of the Malignant Polyp
Introduction Malignant polyps of the large intestine can be divided into polypoid cancers, which are largely cancerous lesions with a polypoid shape, and polyps that are mostly benign but have…
Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance
Screening for Colorectal Cancer In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and females. The age-adjusted incidence rate during the period 2006-2010…
Molecular Genetics of Colorectal Cancer
Introduction Cancer is a disorder of cellular growth and differentiation that is due to a loss of function of regulatory pathways and feedback loops. Colorectal cancer is an excellent example…
Polyposis Syndromes
Introduction Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes account for approximately 5% of all colorectal cancers. Traditionally they have been categorized according to the number and histologic features of colorectal polyps in affected…
Large Bowel Obstruction
Introduction A large bowel obstruction results from a narrowing of the colorectal lumen that restricts passage of gas and stool. It is a relatively common surgical emergency. Because the condition…
Colonic Volvulus
Introduction In this chapter, we review the presentation, diagnostic strategy, and treatment algorithms for colonic volvulus. Colonic volvulus is the torsion of a mobile loop of bowel with an elongated…
Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Introduction Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage refers to blood loss originating distal to the ligament of Treitz that is symptomatic and necessitates hospital admission. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation….
Diagnosis and Management of Acute Colonic Diverticulitis
Introduction Colonic diverticula are false diverticula—that is, pockets composed of mucosa and submucosa that have herniated through weaknesses in the colon wall at the points where intramural vasa recta penetrate…
