ABSTRACT
Colorectal surgery is associated with both a significant mortality and morbidity (1). Patients usually present suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, or neoplasia. The nature of surgery is often similar (i.e., resection of the affected area of bowel), and patients’ demographic characteristics can differ significantly. Colorectal conditions can present as emergencies, perforation of the bowel, or obstruction, or for elective surgery. As well as resection of the colon or rectum, surgery in this area includes formation and closure of stomas, formation of pouches to mimic colorectal function, and treatment of incontinence and rectal bleeding. This chapter will deal mainly with resection of the large bowel, although the principles described for perioperative management can be applied for other surgery on the bowel (Chapter 21).
