Improved Outcomes in Colon and Rectal Surgery PDF

Preface

Quality measures and outcomes are receiving greater attention by the lay and medical communities. The occurrence or mismanagement of complications often results in poor outcomes, increased cost, and significant morbidity. Answering the call for transparency and improvement requires action by all involved in the care of patients. Collection of objective data and quality measures allows documentation of optimal care and desired outcomes while identifying areas for improvement.

The goal of this text is to present the current knowledge of outcomes, as well as the techniques for minimizing and managing complications from the common diseases and procedures of this specialty. This information will aid providers in optimizing care and encourage research in outcome and quality measurement.

Improved Outcomes of Colon and Rectal Surgery represents the collaborative efforts of many individuals. The contributing authors were selected for their knowledge of colorectal surgery and ability to present their surgical judgment and experience in written form. They represent a spectrum of experienced providers who have made significant contributions to younger individuals whowill shape the future of their specialty. In addition to reviewing the available literature, they have described their personal approach to complications in colorectal surgery. Numerous technical descriptions and highlights from multiple discussions held in surgical locker rooms, morbidity and mortality conferences, and the hallways of conferences and symposiums have been included. Using this approach, we hope this text will provide initial guidance to the less experienced provider and stimulate additional thought and research to the more experienced provider.

The editors gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the many individuals who made this book possible. This text carries on the vision of previous editors and contributors to the first two editions of Complications in Colon and Rectal Surgery.