Recent Advances and Future Challenges in Colorectal Surgery

Dear Colleagues,

The landscape of colorectal surgery has undergone rapid transformation in recent years, marked by the integration of cutting-edge technologies and techniques into the surgical repertoire. As we navigate this dynamic field of coloproctology, the pursuit to illuminate uncharted territories remains ever-fervent, concurrent with the assimilation of innovations into clinical practice. The primary objective of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for critical examination of the impact of recent technological advancements on various facets of colorectal surgery, including surgical outcomes, perioperative patient care, postoperative recovery, overall patient experience, the impact of ERAS protocols, current treatment approaches, multimodal management, minimally invasive treatment, the use of fluorescent methods, the role of multidisciplinary meetings, progress in treating advanced diseases, and screening in early cancer stages.

We welcome manuscripts that scrutinize the role of minimally invasive modalities such as robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, Tamis, and TEMS, as well as those that explore the application of artificial intelligence and big data in surgical decision-making, particularly in endoscopic procedures. Additionally, contributions evaluating perioperative patient optimization, leveraging translational research in coloproctology, or comparing the outcomes of different innovative approaches to colorectal diseases are encouraged.

While priority will be accorded to high-quality, original studies, we also welcome well-designed systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, narrative reviews, etc., offering comprehensive insights into specific topics. The possible topics that need to be covered include colorectal and anal cancer, surgical endoscopic procedures, laparoscopic and robotic procedures, transanal excisions, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other anorectal benign entities. Furthermore, other colorectal and coloproctology topics are welcome.

In essence, this Special Issue endeavors to enrich clinicians' understanding of underexplored realms within coloproctology while presenting a balanced, robust, and evidence-based overview of advancements and future prospects in the field. Submissions that delve into possible future challenges in colorectal surgery, thereby fostering discussion and exploration of avenues for further advancement, are encouraged.

Dr. Athanasios Syllaios
Dr. Nikoletta Dimitriou
Guest Editors

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• colorectal cancer
• IBD
• robotic
• laparoscopic
• minimally invasive approaches
• TAMIS
• transanal
• artificial intelligence
• colorectal benign diseases
• fluorescent methods