Morbidity and mortality rates

According to a recent study published by the British Journal of Surgery, a small minority of patients undergoing gastroenterologic surgery are at high risk for postoperative complications that may lead to prolonged hospital stays. In a study of 235 patients, 47% had at least one postoperative complication, with the length of hospital stay at 11 days compared to those without complications with length of stay at six days.

PERIODICALS

Cappell, M. S. "Recent Advances in Gastroenterology." Medical Clinics of North America 86, no.6 (November 2002).

Cappell, M. S., J. D. Waye, J. T. Farrar, and M. H. Sleisenger. "Fifty Landmark Discoveries in Gastroenterology during the Past 50 Years" Gastroenterology Clinics 29, no. 2 (June 2000).

Eisen, G. M., et al. "Ethnic Issues in Endoscopy." Gastrointestinalt Endoscopy 53, no. 7, (June 1, 2001): 874–5.

Farrell, J. J., and L. S. Friedman. "Gastrointestinal Disorders in the Elderly." Gastroenterology Clinics 30, no. 2, (June, 2001).

Lang, M. "Outcome and Resource Utilization in Gastroenterological Surgery." British Journal of Surgery 88, no. 7 (July 1, 2001): 1006–14.

ORGANIZATIONS

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10016-8804. (800) 932-2423 or (212) 685-3440; Fax: (212) 779-4098. Email: <info@ccfa.org>. <www.ccfa.org.>.

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. P.O. Box 17864, Milwaukee, WI 53217. (414) 964-1799 or (888) 964-2001. <www.iffgd.org.>.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3570. <www.niddk.nih.gov>.

OTHER

The Role of Laparoscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Gastrointestinal Disease. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. <www.colonoscopy.info/>.

Nancy McKenzie, PhD

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Gastroenterologic surgery is performed by urologists, internists, and other specialists in digestive diseases and disorders. Surgery is performed in a general hospital. Some less complicated surgeries done by laparoscopy may be used in an outpatient setting.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

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