- Takes a problem oriented approach to discuss the key concepts in the field of colorectal surgery. - Includes recent progress in imaging techniques and how they are useful to the surgeon. - Highlghts not only the medical apsects of coloproctology, but the legal concerns for the physician as well.

It is now more than 40 years since Drs. Wild and Reid published their first experience with rectal ultrasonography from the Surgery Department at the University of Minnesota. Professor Owen H. Wangen steen, in whose laboratory the studies were carried out, recognized at that time the need for early detection in the treatment of cancer. Technical improvements over the past 20 years have made endoscopy the procedure of choice for examination of the hollow organs of the genital, urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. The simultaneous development of endosonography has had an equally dramatic impact on the practice of medicine and surgery. The technology has been demonstrated to be helpful in both benign and malignant conditions. One of the so-called benign conditions of the anorectum is fistula-in-ano. Fistula surgery has always relied on excellent anatomic delineation of the intramuscular tracts. There is hope that adaptation of ultrasonographic technology will aid in the surgical management of this malady. Clearly, rectal ultrasonography has considerable potential in the management of rectal carcinoma. Accuracy rates in the range of 90% for the depth of neoplastic invasion have been reported. This ability for accurate assessment will undoubtedly lead to a better definition of the population of patients that can be managed by local therapeutic means.

Recent Advances in Coloproctology provides a thorough overview of modern developments in the surgical treatment of disorders of the lower intestine including ulcerative colitis/severe acute colitis, Crohn's disease, carcinomas, haemorrhoids and anal incontinence. Recognizing that the surgeon does not work in isolation, the book also integrates recent progress in imaging techniques for the anal canal and rectum, and highlights medico-legal considerations in separate chapters. Aimed at current practitioners and trainees, Recent Advances in Coloproctology discusses key concepts that will assist general surgeons and colorectal consultants in their management of patients with a broad spectrum of anorectal and colonic disorders. With a problem-oriented slant, this book is essential reading for all those with interest in coloproctology.

- Takes a problem oriented approach to discuss the key concepts in the field of colorectal surgery.

- Includes recent progress in imaging techniques and how they are useful to the surgeon.

- Highlghts not only the medical apsects of coloproctology, but the legal concerns for the physician as well.

Progress in Colorectal Surgery covers a variety of topics of current interest to the colorectal specialist. Thirteen areas are covered by internationally renowned experts and include chapters on topics such as referral guidelines for rectal bleeding, difficult intra-operative problems in pelvic surgery, advances in the medical treatment of Crohn's disease, adjuvant treatment for colorectal malignancy, thorough overview of modern developments in the surgical treatment of disorders of the lower intestine including ulcerative colitis/severe acute colitis and innovations in the treatment of fecal incontinence.

Recognizing that the surgeon does not work in isolation, the book also integrates recent progress in imaging techniques for the anal canal and rectum, and highlights medico-legal considerations.

Aimed at current practitioners and trainees, the book discusses key concepts that will assist general surgeons and colorectal consultants in their management of patients with a broad spectrum of anorectal and colonic disorders. With a problem-oriented slant, this book is essential reading for all those with an interest in coloproctology.

The topics covered in this book have been specifically chosen to give guidance to surgeons established in practice and those embarking on their careers. Examples include the changing management in the treatment of the catastrophic abdominal wall, perianal Crohn's disease in the biological era, decision making in rectal cancer that responds to radiotherapy, and the assessment of outcomes in colorectal cancer surgery. Recent years have seen the introduction of technical advances with respect to robotics in colorectal surgery and trans-anal total meso-rectal excision, and which are rapidly becoming established in clinical practice. Chapters also cover those aspects of colorectal practice, which are common to all, and provide guidance on management of topics including complications of radiotherapy, management of pouch dysfunction and iatrogenic complications in pelvic cancer surgery.