Outcomes assessment in surgery traditionally has included data regarding peri-operative mortality and morbidity, as well as long-term survival and recurrence in surgical oncology. However, quality of life （QOL） is a...Outcomes assessment in surgery traditionally has included data regarding peri-operative mortality and morbidity, as well as long-term survival and recurrence in surgical oncology. However, quality of life （QOL） is another important patient-related outcome measure. QOL data can be used to tailor treatment and improve clinical outcomes by detecting physical or psychological problems in patients that otherwise might be overlooked, but which have profound implications for the effective delivery of care. We review several well-validated QOL instruments developed specifically for use in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, including esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancers, and conclude that QOL assessment routinely should be included in clinical trials of novel treatments.展开更多
Anorectal complaints are very common and are caused by a variety of mostly benign anorectal disorders.Many anorectal conditions may be successfully treated by primary care physicians in the outpatient setting,but pati...Anorectal complaints are very common and are caused by a variety of mostly benign anorectal disorders.Many anorectal conditions may be successfully treated by primary care physicians in the outpatient setting,but patients tend not to seek medical attention due to embarrassment or fear of cancer.As a result,patients frequently present with advanced disease after experiencing significant decreases in quality of life.A number of patients with anorectal complaints are referred to gastroenterologists.However,gastroenterologists' knowledge and experience in approaching these conditions may not be sufficient.This article can serve as a guide to gastroenterologists to recognize,evaluate,and manage medically or non-surgically common benign anorectal disorders,and to identify when surgical referrals are most prudent.A review of the current literature is performed to evaluate comprehensive clinical pearls and management guidelines for each topic.Topics reviewed include hemorrhoids,anal fissures,anorectal fistulas and abscesses,and pruritus ani.展开更多
文摘Outcomes assessment in surgery traditionally has included data regarding peri-operative mortality and morbidity, as well as long-term survival and recurrence in surgical oncology. However, quality of life （QOL） is another important patient-related outcome measure. QOL data can be used to tailor treatment and improve clinical outcomes by detecting physical or psychological problems in patients that otherwise might be overlooked, but which have profound implications for the effective delivery of care. We review several well-validated QOL instruments developed specifically for use in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, including esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancers, and conclude that QOL assessment routinely should be included in clinical trials of novel treatments.
文摘Anorectal complaints are very common and are caused by a variety of mostly benign anorectal disorders.Many anorectal conditions may be successfully treated by primary care physicians in the outpatient setting,but patients tend not to seek medical attention due to embarrassment or fear of cancer.As a result,patients frequently present with advanced disease after experiencing significant decreases in quality of life.A number of patients with anorectal complaints are referred to gastroenterologists.However,gastroenterologists' knowledge and experience in approaching these conditions may not be sufficient.This article can serve as a guide to gastroenterologists to recognize,evaluate,and manage medically or non-surgically common benign anorectal disorders,and to identify when surgical referrals are most prudent.A review of the current literature is performed to evaluate comprehensive clinical pearls and management guidelines for each topic.Topics reviewed include hemorrhoids,anal fissures,anorectal fistulas and abscesses,and pruritus ani.
