Purpose of review: Surgical management of diseases of the colon and rectum continues to evolve. This review examines the recent publications that have led to or may lead to changes in practice in this field.
Recent findings: We identified and reviewed the recent publications in the areas of colon, rectal, and anal cancers; inflammatory bowel disease; incontinence; diverticulitis; hemorrhoids; fistulas; and quality improvement initiatives.
Summary: New technologies and novel questions have changed practice and will improve patient outcomes. Multiinstitutional studies, ideally randomized, continue to be essential to answer the questions that will lead to identification of best practices.