COLON, RECTUM AND ANUS: ANATOMIC, PHYSIOLOGIC AND DIAGNOSTIC BASES FOR DISEASE MANAGEMENT. SERIES: COLOPROCTOLOGY, VOL. 1

1. An Introduction to Coloproctology
2. A Surgeon for the Pelvic Floor: Dream or Reality?
3. Anatomy
4. Surgical Anatomy of the Colon, Rectum and Anus
5. Topographic Anatomy of the Colon and Rectum: Tips and Tricks in Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery
6. Topographic Anatomy in Proctologic Surgery
7. Physiology
8. Physiology of the Colon
9. Physiology of the Rectum and Anus
10. Factors Affecting the Intestinal Physiology
11. Factors Affecting the Defecation and Anal Continence
12. Anal Surgery: Organ and Function Preservation
13. Diagnosis
14. Patient’s History Data Collection in Coloproctology
15. Visiting a Coloproctology Patient: Rules and Suggestions
16. Signs and Symptoms in Coloproctology: Data Collection and Scores
17. Diagnosis in Coloproctology: From the General Practitioner to the Tertiary Referral Center
18. Instruments for the In-Office Diagnosis
19. Colonic and Rectal Endoscopy
20. Colonic and Rectal Endosonography
21. Radiologic Imaging of Colo-Recto-Anal Disfunctions: Procedures and Indications
22. Ultrasound of the Colon and Rectum: Procedures and Indications
23. Anorectal Manometry
24. Electrophysiological Study of the Pelvic Floor
25. Integration of Diagnostics in Proctology: Assessment, Choice of Treatment, and Evaluation of Results
26. Pathologic Evaluation of Colo-Recto-Anal Samples: Procedures and Clinical Significance
27. Specifics and Pitfalls in Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
28. Diagnostic Algorithm for Constipation and Obstructed Defecation.

This is the first volume in the new Springer Major Reference Work series entitled Coloproctology. The book covers key topics in the anatomy and physiology of the colon, rectum and anus and the diagnosis of colorectal/anal diseases and disorders. It thus forms a sound basis for further volumes in the series that will focus on the treatment of more specific clinical conditions. The subjects addressed in the volume are crucial to effective patient management and the book highlights the fact that adequate diagnostic assessment of a given disease is significantly related to the pathophysiologic interpretation of the pathologic process. The purpose of the volume is to provide readers with up-to-date knowledge on colorectal and anal anatomy and physiology, particularly from a treatment perspective and to describe the methodology to be employed in choosing the best diagnostic work-up in coloproctology.

Features
• Addresses the anatomy and physiology of the colon, rectum and anus
• Features the work of outstanding experts and offers a treatment perspective
• Provides up-to-date information on diagnostic modalities and their indications

Author
Prof. Ratto is Researcher at the Department of Surgical Sciences, Catholic University, Rome. His clinical practice, at the Division of Chirurgia Digestiva, Department of Surgical Sciences of Catholic University, Rome (Policlinico "A. Gemelli"), focuses on the colo-recto-anal disorders. He is actively involved in research on: colorectal cancer anal cancer, anorectal physiology (concerning anorectal manometry, electrophysiology studies, endoanal ultrasound in benign anorectal disorders), fecal incontinence and constipation, hemorrhoids, fistula-in-ano, rectocele. He is author of a number of scientific publications on international journals and presented the results of his research at national and international scientific meetings. He is Editor of the book entitled “Fecal Incontinence. Diagnosis and Treatment”, Springer Ed., May 2007. He is a member of: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP), Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR), Italian Society of Surgery (SIC), Italian Society of Oncologic Surgery (SICO) He was General Secretary of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR), 2006-7. He was National Scientific Secretary of the Italian Group for Sacral Neuromodulation (GINS). He is co-Editor of the journal Techniques in Coloproctology. He has been Delegate of Italy to the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP).