{"title":"Artificial Intelligence as the Ultimate Operative Assistant.","authors":"Carl G Engelke, Rami J N Aoun, Emily Huang","doi":"10.1055/a-2769-1318","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2769-1318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to become transformational in many aspects of modern society and has attracted significant interest within the field of medicine. This review outlines the foundational components of modern AI such as including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and generative modeling, and examines their emerging applications within surgery. In the preoperative domain, AI-driven risk stratification models inform patient selection and resource allocation, while parallel advances in deep learning-enabled anatomic segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction have the potential to streamline surgical planning by automating labor-intensive imaging workflows. Intraoperatively, maturing capabilities in phase recognition, anatomic identification, augmented reality overlay, and real-time decision support demonstrate the possibility for improved safety, workflow efficiency, and early recognition of surgical and physiologic challenges. And although the first fully autonomous AI-driven surgical robot in humans is likely still far off, the recent advances in robotic surgery suggest this may no longer be the purview of science fiction. For all its promise, significant challenges still persist for the robust implementation of AI into surgical workflows regarding data governance, algorithmic transparency, regulatory oversight, model generalizability, and, especially, many philosophical and ethical questions that remain unanswered.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 3","pages":"219-226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147634671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unique Challenges of Shared Decision-Making in Colorectal Surgery for the Elderly Patient.","authors":"Madhuri V Nishtala, Julia R Berian","doi":"10.1055/a-2760-7343","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2760-7343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Older adults require disproportionately more operations and suffer more complications than their younger counterparts, making a thoughtful approach to shared decision-making imperative. This article reviews key considerations in the decision to pursue operative intervention for older adults. First, we explore the \"Fix It\" model and the importance of acknowledging trade-offs, with a specific focus on quality of life. This is followed by a discussion of how surgical recovery affects physical function, bowel function, and cognition. We describe strategies for shared decision-making in the older population, specifically eliciting patient preferences for overall health goals, establishing the goals of surgery, discussing advanced directives, and engaging caregivers. We anticipate these key content areas will provide surgeons with important insights with which to approach surgical decision-making for this vulnerable patient group.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12900247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146203455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anastomotic Leak Following Colorectal Surgery.","authors":"Olivia Ziegler, Audrey S Kulaylat","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807727","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anastomotic leak (AL) following colorectal surgery is a devastating complication. It is associated with high mortality rates, increased length of stay, and-in the setting of cancer-higher disease recurrence and worse overall survival. Further, it is associated with significantly increased costs, both for the acute hospital setting and the higher-intensity postdischarge care requirements these patients often experience. Identification of factors that prognosticate AL is important, as it may enable earlier detection and even patient optimization prior to surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"24-36"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716936/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145805907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wendelyn M Oslock, Leanne D Jeong, Mei Lin N Dye, Meet Patel, Daniel I Chu
{"title":"The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Severe Colorectal Complications.","authors":"Wendelyn M Oslock, Leanne D Jeong, Mei Lin N Dye, Meet Patel, Daniel I Chu","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807758","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807758","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Complications following colorectal surgery remain a persistent issue despite advances in surgical technique, development of enhanced recovery, and improvements in perioperative care. Social determinants of health (SDOHs) at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy levels have been associated with the risk of patients experiencing a complication. At the individual level, race and ethnicity are associated with complications, with the Black race having the most robust data demonstrating increased risk for complication. Additional individual-level factors associated with complications include food insecurity, health literacy, or the presence of an SDOH diagnostic Z-ICD code. Institutionally, hospital size, case volume, and teaching status were characteristics associated with the risk of complications, while safety net status was not. Hospital and home rurality, as well as food deserts, are community-level characteristics associated with an increased likelihood of complication. For policy-level SDOH, insurance type was associated with complications. Specifically, patients with Medicare, Medicaid, uninsured, or a combination of the three were more likely to experience a complication than a patient with private insurance. Additionally, composite measures for SDOH, such as the social vulnerability index, are associated with postoperative complications. There are SDOH at each level that influence the risk of complications following colorectal surgery, highlighting the need to incorporate these factors into quality improvement efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"102-111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond Bleeding, Infection, Damage to Surrounding Structures: Challenges and Opportunities When Communicating about Surgical Risks.","authors":"Melanie L Fritz, Ana C De Roo","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807757","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807757","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Informed consent and shared decision-making are central tenets of surgical consultations and the decision to proceed, or not, with surgery. These standard practices require communication with patients about the risks and benefits of the procedures they are considering. Yet communicating about risk is not straightforward. Limited health literacy, cognitive pitfalls, and the emotional experience of illness or a new diagnosis can all impact how patients interpret the information they receive. Beyond the legal obligations to ensure patients are informed, communicating effectively about risk can also support patients throughout the perioperative period, particularly if rare complications occur. We propose a framework for discussing risks and downsides of surgery that contextualizes rare risks in the expected trajectory of recovery, supporting patients through the decision-making process and onwards.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"95-101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716918/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prophylactic Operative Interventions for Preventing Parastomal Hernias after Colorectal Surgery.","authors":"Tyler McKechnie, Neil J Smart, Cagla Eskicioglu","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807749","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807749","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The most common long-term stoma-related morbidity following colorectal surgery is parastomal hernia formation. Given the risk of developing parastomal hernias and the risk of postoperative complications following their repair, practices have evolved to incorporate prophylactic strategies to reduce the risk of parastomal hernia formation after colorectal surgery. The majority of the data forming the evidence base for parastomal hernia prophylaxis pertains to patients undergoing end colostomy formation in the setting of colorectal cancer. The only prophylactic intervention for prevention of parastomal hernia formation with substantial amounts of high-quality data is the insertion of prophylactic mesh at the index operation for patients undergoing formation of a permanent end colostomy. Other interventions that have been proposed but have less published data substantiating their use include lateral pararectus stoma placement, extraperitoneal stoma creation, circular stoma trephine, and small fascial defects. This chapter will review each of these interventions in detail, along with the associated literature supporting or refuting their use. Additionally, we will discuss other important issues regarding the evidence base for parastomal hernia prophylaxis, parastomal hernia classifications, and risk factors for developing parastomal hernias.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"51-61"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716925/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Palliation for Inoperable Infectious and Neoplastic Long-Term Surgical Complications.","authors":"Peter A Bryant, Myrick C Shinall","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807756","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807756","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inoperable complications from pelvic surgery or the progression of unresectable colorectal neoplasms may create a situation requiring a focus on quality of life over cure within a palliative care framework. This review outlines management strategies for some common, incurable, long-term sequelae patients of colorectal surgeons may experience, including advanced cancer-causing obstruction, bleeding, and pain; chronic anastomotic leak after pelvic surgery, including salvage techniques; and chronic pelvic pain after surgery. Strategies include palliative operations, endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques, and unique approaches to pain control and symptom management. The paper also reviews evidence on the benefit of palliative care specialists, when such specialists may be beneficial, as well as how the colorectal surgeon may facilitate decision-making in treatment decisions of incurable disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"89-94"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716919/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of Post-discharge Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis after Colorectal Surgery.","authors":"Pavel Lenkov, Elissa Dabaghi, Stefan Holubar","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807287","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite significant advances in colorectal surgery (CRS), postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a critical issue that contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality. The incidence of VTE, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and portomesenteric vein thrombosis, in the colorectal surgical population varies from 2 to 15%, with elevated risks in patients with colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. This review article examines the effects of VTE on postoperative outcomes and explores the efficacy of extended chemoprophylaxis (ePPx) for mitigating these risks. We will review the rates of morbidity and mortality associated with VTE, as well as the role of postdischarge ePPx in VTE prevention, while exploring how other specialties utilize ePPx strategies to decrease their postdischarge VTE rates, some of which may be translatable to CRS patients. Our analysis highlights the role of various prophylactic measures, including low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), aspirin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), comparing their effectiveness and cost implications as well as the use of thromboelastography to help guide ePPx management. Overall, findings suggest that VTE ePPx with LMWH significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative VTE and related complications, although patient compliance remains a challenge. While aspirin is a cost-effective alternative, its efficacy in patients with CRS requires further investigation. Emerging data on DOACs indicate their potential as viable options for ePPx, although their safety profile requires careful consideration. Tailored ePPx strategies, particularly with LMWH, appear to be crucial for reducing VTE in CRS patients. Further research is needed to refine the prophylactic approaches and establish standardized guidelines that incorporate new insights into VTE prevention and management in CRS.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"37-50"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthew J Freeman, Corinne E Praska, Cristina B Sanger
{"title":"Surgery-induced and Associated Long-term Strictures.","authors":"Matthew J Freeman, Corinne E Praska, Cristina B Sanger","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807728","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807728","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Strictures, commonly referred to as stenoses, are a rare but significant complication for patients who have undergone colorectal surgery. Strictures are difficult to diagnose due to variable clinical presentations, diverse etiologies, and lack of formalized diagnostic criteria. The clinical impact of strictures can be quite variable, ranging from a benign course not requiring intervention to emergent complications (e.g., bowel obstruction, perforation). Importantly, strictures can also have a large impact on patient quality of life and long-term bowel function. Once a stricture is diagnosed or clinically suspected, it is critical to determine its etiology to help guide clinical management and prevent recurrence. Strictures can be categorized as partial or complete, intrinsic or extrinsic, benign or malignant. We propose the ARCTIC mnemonic (Anastomosis, Radiation/Chemotherapy, Technical, Inflammation, and Compression) as a useful tool for remembering common stricture causes in the postoperative environment. This review seeks to provide an overview of the etiologies, diagnosis, and management of strictures in the postoperative setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"83-88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Evaluation and Management.","authors":"Samantha M Linhares, Anne K Mongiu","doi":"10.1055/s-0045-1807741","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0045-1807741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a constellation of symptoms consisting of stool or flatus incontinence, urgency, and/or clustering of bowel movements. Up to 80% of patients experience these symptoms after sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer with concomitant decrease in quality of life. Multiple measurement tools have been developed and different treatment options have been explored. The purpose of this review was to evaluate LARS assessment tools, treatment options, and the supporting evidence for these strategies. We performed a literature review related to the evaluation and treatment of LARS, and ongoing clinical trials up to 2024 were reviewed. We found the definition of LARS was recently revised, with current validated diagnostic tools lagging behind this update. First-line treatment includes optimizing bowel habits, dietary changes, and medications. Second-line treatment includes pelvic floor rehabilitation or transanal irrigation. Third-line treatment includes sacral nerve stimulation or posterior tibial nerve stimulation before the discussion of antegrade enemas or permanent stoma creation. In summary, LARS remains a challenging symptomatic disorder to capture and treat effectively. There are opportunities for better standardization of preoperative education, evaluation, and escalation of treatment strategies. Further investigation into psychosocial and patient support adjuncts need to be developed. Continued research will help to refine and develop a clear treatment algorithm.</p>","PeriodicalId":48754,"journal":{"name":"Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"70-82"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716930/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145805992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}