The field of colorectal surgery has undergone tremendous developments in recent decades. Surgery has become less invasive, new perspectives and insights have improved perioperative management and novel outcome measures have been defined. At the same time, the limits of surgical technique and perioperative care are being challenged by more complex patients. In order to realize the immense potential for excellent outcomes in colorectal surgery, coordinated multifaceted care must be delivered within a context of limited resources. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to streamline processes and heighten clinical productivity. Excellent communication and collaboration are required, with constant attention to detail and precision within an environment of learning, research and innovation. This book discusses in depth the transdisciplinary integration of different components of care in colorectal surgery. Pertinent background information on the complexities of current management in colorectal surgery is first provided, followed by discussion of the role of design thinking in care integration. Subsequent chapters focus on a range of issues associated with surgical and perioperative care in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, with emphasis on how the multiple facets of care can be integrated through a transdisciplinary approach. Each chapter provides helpful take-home messages in bullet point form and numerous informative figures and tables are also included. The authors are surgeons, physicians, anesthetists, oncologists, nurses, and allied health professionals with extensive experience in the field.
