News Items

The latest CREST® Weekly Curriculum module, MSI Testing of Colorectal Cancer, is now available! This module covers the different genetic mechanisms of colorectal cancer. It will discuss Lynch syndrome and sporadic microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer, as well as testing methods.

Objectives:

• Identify sporadic hypermethylated colorectal cancer
• Identify Lynch syndrome
• Employ a logical sequence of testing for microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer

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.

The latest CREST® Weekly Curriculum module, Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer, is now available! The module on neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer focuses on the utilization of chemoradiation therapy in the overall treatment of patients with rectal cancer. It discusses the introduction of radiation therapy, the importance of the quality of surgery and prospective randomized clinical trials that have helped to formulate the current regimens that are now being used. As we learn more about the behavior of rectal cancer and modes of success and failure of treatment, tailored regimens are being developed and trialed for effectiveness. Therefore, future directions of neoadjuvant therapy regimens are also addressed.

Objectives:

• Describe the impact and benefits of neoadjuvant radiation therapy – both long and short course.
• Explain the impact of the addition of chemotherapy to neoadjuvant therapy.
• Recognize when rectal cancer should be treated with surgery alone.
• Describe the indication for the various neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy regimens for the management of rectal cancer.

CREST® Weekly Curriculum modules are free to members. To access, 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.

The latest CREST® Weekly Curriculum module, Non Infectious Colitides, is now available! The module covers non-infectious colitides and focuses on the evaluation and management of those patients with this underlying disorder.

Objectives:

• Differentiate between infectious and non-infectious colitis
• Recognize conditions and risk factors for non-infectious colitis
• Distinguish between the various forms of non-infectious colitis
• Discuss medical and surgical treatment for non-infectious colitis

CREST® Weekly Curriculum modules are free to members. To access, 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.

The latest CREST® Weekly Curriculum module, Sacral Nerve Stimulation vs. Injectables, is now available! This module provides an overview of fecal incontinence, focusing on the results with both injectables and SNS, along with a review of most current and relevant literature. As a Weekly Curriculum module, it is eligible for 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Objectives:

• Describe the etiology, epidemiology/evaluation of fecal incontinence.
• Discuss the non-operative/conservative management of fecal incontinence.
• Describe the short- and long-term outcomes of injectables.
• Discuss the short- and long-term outcomes of SNS therapy.

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.

Our newest CREST® Weekly Curriculum module, Use of Robotics in Colorectal Surgery: What Does the Data Show?, is now available! This module covers the evolution of robotic surgery use in colorectal surgery. It describes safety, use, and outcome data (including cost) surrounding the robot and compares it to other modalities.

Objectives:

• Describe the evolution of laparoscopic/robotic surgery
• Describe the safety / outcome data on laparoscopic surgery
• Outline specific uses of robotic surgery
• Describe advantages and disadvantages of robotic surgery
• Describe the available data supporting / discouraging use of robot
• Describe future directions in study and use of robotic surgery

CREST® Weekly Curriculum modules are free to members. To access, 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.