Quality of life after minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer

Traditional open surgical technique for rectal cancer is associated with significant morbidity and impact on quality of life. Multiple structures are at risk during total mesorectal excision, which may have profound impact on sexual function, and urinary and fecal continence. In addition, having a temporary or permanent ostomy can have a significant effect on overall well-being. Patients have reported post-operative problems such as chronic wounds, poor body image, inhibited work and social function. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an evolving component of colon and rectal cancer treatment that may have benefits over open surgery. The increasing role of laparoscopy for colon and rectal cancer has been associated with decreased morbidity, improved pain control, and reduced length of stay. However, laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer remains technically difficult due to the inherent limitations of operating in the pelvis. Robotic surgery is a newer method for treating rectal cancer developed to overcome these limitations. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery and transanal MIS are techniques to achieve local excision, avoiding proctectomy in select patients, potentially improving functional outcomes. Transanal total mesorectal excision is an even newer technique to facilitate dissection of low rectal cancers. Controversy remains about equivalence in oncologic outcomes when these MIS approaches are used for rectal cancer. Even more unclear is the effect of MIS approaches on quality of life and how they compare to open surgery. This review discusses the most current evidence on the impact of various MIS techniques on quality of life after rectal cancer surgery

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Fecal Incontinence Results of a 120-Patient Prospective Multicenter Study

Background: Sacral nerve stimulation has been approved for use in treating urinary incontinence in the United States since 1997, and in Europe for both urinary and fecal incontinence (FI) since 1994. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation in a large population under the rigors of Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational protocol

Evolution of Ebola Virus Disease from Exotic Infection to Global Health Priority, Liberia, Mid-2014

Over the span of a few weeks during July and August 2014, events in West Africa changed perceptions of Ebola virus disease (EVD) from an exotic tropical disease to a priority for global health security. We describe observations during that time of a field team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and personnel of the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. We outline the early epidemiology of EVD within Liberia, including the practical limitations on surveillance and the effect on the country’s health care system, such as infections among health care workers. During this time, priorities included strengthening EVD surveillance; establishing safe settings for EVD patient care (and considering alternative isolation and care models when Ebola Treatment Units were overwhelmed); improving infection control practices; establishing an incident management system; and working with Liberian airport authorities to implement EVD screening of departing passengers