Disparities in the Epidemiology of Anal Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Time Series.

Purpose: To assess the trends and sociodemographic disparities of anal cancer. Methods: For this time series, billing claims were reviewed for all encounters between 2007 and 2011 in the Yale New Haven Health System. Results: There were 80 new cases identified. Decreasing trends were seen in women and increasing trend in men (-30.1% and 27.3%). Diagnoses were more common in areas with the highest proportion of racial minorities (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=1.75; p≤0.01) and poverty (IRR=1.72; p=0.04). Conclusions: Anal cancer continues to rise in men during the postvaccine era. Communities with the highest proportion of poverty and racial/ethnic minority groups bear the highest burden of disease.

Hirschsprung Disease: The Rise of Structured Transition and Long-term Care.

Hirschsprung disease, like most surgically correctable congenital anomalies, is now survivable well into adulthood. Patients are, therefore, presenting later in life with problems that were previously infrequently encountered by colorectal surgeons or gastroenterologists. The goals of our review are to describe the current state of care transition for this patient population, identify the specific needs for these patients, and propose guidelines which could inform a future model of transition from the pediatric to adult setting. This is a review of the current state of care transition and long-term outcomes for patients with Hirschsprung disease. Although these patients report a generally good quality of life, the majority suffer from some degree of lifelong gastrointestinal complication, regardless of the type of operative repair. A more formalized transition of care will provide a guide for pediatric surgeons and patients, alleviate colorectal surgeon and gastroenterologist concerns, and provide better long-term care for these patients.

Anorectal human papillomavirus: current concepts.

Increased anorectal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is related to the recent trends in sexual behavior in both homosexual and heterosexual groups and prevalence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Clinical presentation and natural history depend on the serotype involved. HPV 6 and 11 are found in the benign wart. Local control can be achieved with a wide selection of surgical and topical techniques. HPV 16, 18, and 31 are found in dysplastic lesions and have the potential to progress to invasive anal squamous cell carcinoma. Recognition and early management of dysplastic lesions is crucial to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with anal cancer. While low-grade lesions can be closely observed, high-grade lesions should be eradicated. Different strategies can be used to eradicate the disease while preserving anorectal function. Studies on the efficacy of vaccination on anorectal HPV showed promising results in select population groups and led to the recent expansion of current vaccination recommendations.

Sexually transmitted infections of the anus and rectum.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant public health concern. Several STIs, once thought to be on the verge of extinction, have recently reemerged. This change is thought to be partially related to an increase in STIs of the anus and rectum. Importantly, the global human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic has contributed to the emergence of particular anorectal lesions that require specialized approaches. In this report, we review common anorectal STIs that are frequently referred to colorectal surgeons in the United States. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management are summarized, including the latest treatment recommendations. The particularity of anorectal diseases in HIV/AIDS is addressed, along with recent trends in anal cytology and human papillomavirus vaccination.

[Colorectal cancer - review]. / Krabbamein í ristli og endaþarmi

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Western hemisphere and the incidence increases with increasing age. Most colorectal cancers are localized with or without lymph node metastases. Up to 20% of patients present with metastatic disease, most commonly to the liver. Surgery is the only curative therapy for localized colorectal cancer and adjuvant chemotherapy is usually recommended for patients with lymph node metastases. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the key components of rectal cancer therapy. Selected patients with recurrent and metastatic disease can be salvaged with surgery but chemotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy for advanced colorectal cancer. Substantial progress has been observed in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in recent years.

Applying for a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery.

Colon and Rectal Surgery is a challenging and fulfilling field with interesting and widely variable tasks, making it the preferred career for an increasing number of residents who are in the final path of their general surgery training. Due to the steadily rising interest in the field, it has become increasingly difficult to match into a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery. For those who have decided to pursue a career in Colon and Rectal Surgery, this overview may be of some use during the quite cumbersome and costly process of applying for a fellowship.

Successful treatment of Candida glabrata myocarditis with voriconazole.

A 30-y-old man with Crohn's disease developed fungemia with Candida albicans. Subsequently, during therapy with fluconazole, Candida glabrata was repeatedly isolated from his blood. Myocardial abscesses were detected in the papillary muscles and interventricular septum. The infection was cured with amphotericin B lipid complex and 5-flucytosine, followed by voriconazole for 18 months.