News Items

The latest CREST® module, "Flexible Lower Endoscopy," is now available!

As a Core Subject, this module is eligible for 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. It is an evidence- and guideline-based update course regarding colonoscopy for surgeons.

Objectives:

• Detail indications and contra-indications for lower flexible endoscopy.
• Discuss patient preparation for lower flexible endoscopy.
• Detail diagnosis and management of common lower flexible endoscopy complications.
• Describe current quality-based initiatives with lower flexible endoscopy.

To access this module, log in at the top of this page, click on MY ACCOUNT, then follow the link to the CREST® Online Learning Center. Not a member of ASCRS? Learn more about the benefits of membership in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

As a Core Subject, this module is eligible for 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. This module serves as an intestinal stoma update for colorectal surgeons.

Objectives:

• Detail specifics and clinical benefits of stoma site marking and pre-operative education.
• Discuss select technical considerations of stoma creation.
• Describe post-operative stoma care.
• Detail select stoma-related complications and treatment.

To access this module, log in at the top of this page, click on MY ACCOUNT, then follow the link to the CREST® Online Learning Center. Not a member of ASCRS? Learn more about the benefits of membership in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

As a Core Subject, this module is eligible for 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. This module covers the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Objectives:

• Explain the various etiologies of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and their variation based on patient age.
• Define the rationale for choosing certain diagnostic tests over others in the setting of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Outline the various treatment options that can be utilized in this setting.

To access this module, log in at the top of this page, click on MY ACCOUNT, then follow the link to the CREST® Online Learning Center. Not a member of ASCRS? Learn more about the benefits of membership in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

This module will include a thorough and comprehensive review of all aspects of the preoperative evaluation of colorectal surgery patients. The following are included: in-office assessment, preoperative studies and their rationale, risk assessment of patients with co-morbidities and management of relevant medications such as chemotherapy, immunosuppressants and anticoagulation.

Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to:

1. Explain that careful and thoughtful preoperative evaluation of complex patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may significantly improve outcomes.
2. Improve knowledge of risk assessment of patients with multiple co-morbidities, using validated screening tools and appropriate workup.
3. Become familiar with novel anticoagulants, immunosuppressants and chemotherapy agents that can significantly impact perioperative risk.

As a Core Subject module, it is eligible for 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

To access this module, log in at the top of this page, click on MY ACCOUNT, then follow the link to the CREST® Online Learning Center.

Not a member of ASCRS? Learn more about the benefits of membership in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Presacral/Retrorectal Masses, a Core Subject, is eligible for 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. This module covers the types of presacral masses and the approaches to surgical management.

Objectives:

• Recognize the various presenting symptoms and signs of presacral masses.
• Describe which presacral masses should undergo pre-operative biopsy.
• Recognize when to use a paracoccygeal versus abdominal approach during surgery.

To access this module, log in at the top of this page, click on MY ACCOUNT, then follow the link to the CREST® Online Learning Center. Not a member of ASCRS? Learn more about the benefits of membership in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.