Colorectal Emergencies: Preface

Patrick Georgoff, MD, FACS

Welcome to another exciting edition of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. In this issue, you will find high-yield, clinically oriented articles that review the latest treatment strategies for challenging colorectal emergencies. Topics run the gamut of time-sensitive diagnoses, from diverticulitis to traumatic rectal injuries to colonic volvulus, and will be of interest to all providers responsible for the workup and management of these complicated problems.

Contemporary treatment of colorectal emergencies requires a multidisciplinary approach and, depending on institutional practice patterns, separation between specialties is often blurred. I recently helped care for a patient with toxic megacolon. He was extraordinarily ill, but thanks to a team of skilled providers he made a complete recovery. Looking back, I counted six specialists who were involved in his care, including multiple surgical subspecialties. The same multidisciplinary models play out for patients with mesenteric ischemia, stoma complications, and large bowel obstruction. It truly takes a village.

In this issue of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, we are proud to have representation from a wide variety of surgical subspecialties who are involved in the care of these complex patients. Even if your practice is primarily elective, staying well versed on these topics is important. We are grateful to the authors for sharing their expertise and time and hope you enjoy this collection of engaging articles.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 December 2023