Nearly two decades after the advent of medical management for gastic ulcers, peptic ulcer disease and its surgical implications remains an important disease process for the general and acute care surgeon. A thorough understanding for the pathophysiologic mechanisms of PUD, relevant anatomy and options for both medical and surgical treatment are key to providing the best possible...
Acute diverticulitis and C. difficile colitis are common problems faced by the acute care surgeon. Management of both conditions is undergoing a paradigm shift. It is important for surgeons treating these conditions to review the current literature and have complete understanding of available treatment options and indications.
With the rise in the prevalence of obesity and the use of damage control techniques with an open abdomen approach, there has been a corresponding increase in the volume of patients with complex ventral hernias, multiple recurrent hernias, or large abdominal wall defects that are not suitable for standard hernia repair techniques. The past decade has seen a rapid increase in our...
Anorectal disorders account for thousands of annual visits and billions of dollars every year in the U.S. alone. Management includes both non-operative and surgical therapies. All healthcare providers treating these conditions need to be well aware of the indications, options and outcomes associated with these strategies.
Bariatric surgery use has exploded in the U.S. and worldwide, and now represents one of the most common major abdominal procedures performed by general surgeons. With the increase in the types of bariatric procedures as well as the unique issues related to the care of the morbidly obese patient, bariatric surgery has now evolved as a recognized sub-specialty. Although bariatric...
Enterocutaneous fistula is a devastating complication which has significant consequences for the patient and is challenging to treat. Significant advances have been made over and the treatment paradigm has evolved. Clinicians caring for this disease should be familiar with the overall approach to treating an enterocutaneous fistula.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding affects over 200,000 people each year, and even more are thought to be unaccounted for since many patients do not seek care. It is a frequent cause of hospital admissions and is a source of significant morbidity especially in patients with chronic health problems and the elderly. Management options and treatment algorithms may differ by institution,...
There are several cases of small bowel obstruction each year. We have come a long way from “not letting the sun rise or set” on a patient with bowel obstruction. There have been advances in laparoscopy, imaging and perioperative care that have greatly improved overall outcomes of this mostly adhesive related disease that can be vexing to the surgeon at times. The...
