3rd ed. 2019 Edition
by Scott R. Steele (Editor), Tracy L. Hull (Editor), Neil Hyman (Editor), Justin A. Maykel (Editor), Thomas E. Read (Editor), Charles B. Whitlow (Editor)
Colorectal Surgery has continued to experience tremendous growth in
both the community and academic settings over the past few years. The
recent increase in demand for colorectal specialists has been fueled by
an overwhelming number of applications to fellowship training programs,
resulting in some of the most coveted and competitive positions.
Furthermore, the accumulation of experience, knowledge, and wisdom from
pioneers in the field, combined with major recent technological
advances, has transformed the clinical management of diseases of the
colon and rectum. Colorectal Surgeons have embraced advances ranging
from minimally invasive approaches for complex problems to novel
training methods for future generations. Additionally, we have
spearheaded innovations in the management of colorectal cancer, pelvic
floor disorders, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and
anorectal conditions. Despite these improvements, there remains a
seemingly never-ending mixture of complex patient disease processes and
complications resulting from the care of these patients. Even in cases
where the technical challenges were managed successfully, complications
or poor function may result in dramatic life-long consequences, reduced
quality of life, as well as having economic implications.
The
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is the premiere
professional organization of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Three editions
of the ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery have been published
and have proved to be extremely valuable for their wealth of general
information and knowledge, providing not only background information,
but also specifics regarding the more complex situations that surgeons
who treat patients with colorectal disease experience on a regular
basis.
An ASCRS manual was produced in in 2009 and 2014, each
accompanying their original textbooks. This has been formed by
abstracting the textbook into a bullet format; all figures and most
tables were retained. The 3rd edition of the Textbook (published by
Springer) included completely new chapters and authors. This 3rd edition
of the Manual is indicated to conform to the new edition of the
Textbook and incorporate newer information in the field of colon and
rectal surgery. This Manual will serve as a very useful resource for
physicians and researchers dealing with diseases of the colon and
rectum. It will provide a concise yet comprehensive summary of the
current status of the field that will help guide education, patient
management and stimulate investigative efforts. All chapters were
written and abstracted by experts in their fields and will include the
most up to date scientific and clinical information.