Justin A. Maykel – författare

Complexities in Colorectal Surgery: Decision-Making and Management provides a unique, modern, practical guide that covers the strategic evaluation, specific approaches, and detailed management techniques utilized by expert Colorectal Surgeons caring for patients with complex problems—whether they result from underlying colorectal disease or from complications arising from previous surgical therapy. The text is formatted as both a “how-to” manual as well as an algorithm-based guide allowing the reader to understand the thought process behind the proposed treatment strategies. By making use of evidence-based recommendations, each chapter will include not only diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines, but also a narrative by the author on his/her operative technical details and perioperative “tips and tricks” that they utilize in the management of these complex surgical challenges. This test includes chapters on the assessment of risk and nutritional intervention methods utilized to minimize perioperative complications. In addition, sections on medical and surgical therapies for abdominal, pelvic and anorectal disease are incorporated. Moreover, the technical challenges of managing complications resulting from the original or subsequent operations is addressed. The underlying focus throughout the text is to provide pragmatic and understandable solutions that can be readily implemented by surgeons of varying experience to successfully treat complex colorectal problems. The text also goes beyond the technical aspects of Colorectal Surgery and includes special sections highlighting the essence of a surgeon. These include chapters describing the importance of the first encounter, building patient rapport, and demonstrating confidence and competence while showing humility and avoiding arrogance. Additionally, aspects involving the medical-legal, ethical, and economic challenges confronting surgeons are covered.

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.