Cancer of the rectum continues to be a significant health problem in industrialized co- tries around the world. Relative 5-year survival rates in the USA for cancer of the rectum from 1995 to 2001 improved to 65%, a 15% improvement over 20 years (American Cancer Society, 2007). The reasons for this dramatic improvement include more accurate pr- perative staging, aggressive neoadjuvant therapy and improved surgical technique as well as specialty-trained surgeons. Despite advances in nonoperative techniques of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, surgical extirpation continues to be the cornerstone of curative treatment of this potentially lethal disease. Radical cancer excision with total mesorectal excision has become the preferred surgical procedure for even early-stage cancers of the rectum. Over the past decade the enthusiasm for local excision (and other local treatments) has given way to persuasive (predominantly retrospective) evidence that the incidence of locoregional recurrence due to unsuspected lymphatic metastases and positive lateral margins is un- ceptably high even for stage T tumors. Vigorous attempts to find characteristics of the 1 tumor that would allow successful local treatments are ongoing.

Colorectal Cancer Screening provides a complete overview of colorectal cancer screening, from epidemiology and molecular abnormalities, to the latest screening techniques such as stool DNA and FIT, Computerized Tomography (CT) Colonography, High Definition Colonoscopes and Narrow Band Imaging. As the text is devoted entirely to CRC screening, it features many facts, principles, guidelines and figures related to screening in an easy access format. This volume provides a complete guide to colorectal cancer screening which will be informative to the subspecialist as well as the primary care practitioner. It represents the only text that provides this up to date information about a subject that is continually changing. For the primary practitioner, information on the guidelines for screening as well as increasing patient participation is presentedd. For the subspecialist, information regarding the latest imaging techniques as well as flat adenomas and chromoendoscopy are covered. The section on the molecular changes in CRC will appeal to both groups. The text includes up to date information about colorectal screening that encompasses the entire spectrum of the topic and features photographs of polyps as well as diagrams of the morphology of polyps as well as photographs of CT colonography images. Algorithms are presented for all the suggested guidelines. Chapters are devoted to patient participation in screening and risk factors as well as new imaging technology. This useful volume explains the rationale behind screening for CRC. In addition, it covers the different screening options as well as the performance characteristics, when available in the literature, for each test. This volume will be used by the sub specialists who perform screening tests as well as primary care practitioners who refer patients to be screened for colorectal cancer.

The second edition of Surgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids covers this important and common disorder, offering a comprehensive critical analysis of advantages and disadvantages of recognized treatment options, covering both recent advances and traditional treatments in the field. The topics covered include essential elements of diagnosis, surgical technique and after-care for the main operations used in hemorrhoid surgery. Providing authoritative in-depth presentations of all perspectives and latest techniques available, the individual procedures are each described by an internationally recognized expert, and the full range of treatment options is covered. The chapters have been revised, with some additions and updates, including stapled hemorrhoidectomy and office management, and also hemorrhoidectomy with several concomitant comorbidities. This uniquely comprehensive guide is essential reading for all practicing and trainee colorectal and general surgeons.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of current polypectomy techniques and describes new perspectives in the field. A wide variety of topics are covered, including classification of colon polyps, established polypectomy techniques and related controversies, advanced endoscopic resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, the use of submucosal injection solutions, management of complications, management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, and post-polypectomy endoscopic surveillance. Information is also provided on a novel risk calculation score for adenoma recurrence after polypectomy, developed by the editors of the book and their colleagues. In acquainting readers with the state of the art in the field, Colon Polypectomy will serve as a valuable reference and practical tool for all who perform the procedure, which is of ever-increasing importance given the recent success of colon cancer screening campaigns in leading to earlier detection of colon polyps.