ABSTRACT
Surgery and medicine existed in separate camps and there were structural, political and economic barriers separating the medical personnel who would be needed to provide a colorectal surgery service. People are witnessing the provision of system-based medical services involving the integration of multiple specialist teams and allied practitioners. Most modern units benefit from having a group of committed physicians, surgeons, radiologists, histopathologists, nurses, dietitians and counsellors working together to create a unified colorectal unit, working closely with basic sciences and oncology. Created units can also benefit from having a common geographical location for the various necessary aspects involved in patient care, including ward, theatre, outpatient and endoscopy components. There are few other fields of practice where communication between the doctor and the patient is more important. Many patients are terrified that their symptoms are due to bowel or rectal cancer.
