Operation for CMI was successful for most patients, with low operative mortality and excellent long-term relief of symptoms. Selective concomitant aortic procedures did not increase mortality rates. The rate of symptomatic recurrences was not different for single-vessel versus multiple-vessel reconstructions or for antegrade versus retrograde grafts. Patients older than 70 years had increased operative mortality and decreased survival rates. Endovascular therapy may be appropriate for this subset of patients.

Summary Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) remains a serious and common complication after liver transplantation (LT). Four hundred and sixty‐seven consecutive LTs in 402 individuals were performed between 1998 and 2001 at our center. Standard immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids. CD toxins A and B were detected by using a rapid immunoassay or enzyme immunoassay. CDC was diagnosed in 32 patients (5–1999 days post‐LT), with 93.8% (30/32) of patients developing CDC during the first year post‐LT; three individuals had CDC more than 3 years post‐LT, one of which also had early CDC. All patients presented with abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. Patients who developed CDC within 1‐year post‐LT were significantly more likely to have a hemorrhagic, biliary, or infectious complication. Patients who developed CDC within 28 days post‐LT had a significantly higher model end‐stage liver disease score. Treatment consisted of fluid and electrolyte replacement and metronidazole and no patients developed toxic megacolon, required colonic resection, or died from CDC. CDC represents a potentially severe complication following LT. Most cases occur early post‐LT. Development of a hemorrhagic, biliary, or infectious complication is associated with the development of CDC.

Measurable compromises in long-term bowel function and quality of life were observed after extended vs. segmental resections. The relative differences in patient-related outcomes should be deliberated against the clinical benefits of extended resection for the individual patient.

Compliance with an enhanced recovery pathway was associated with less opiate use, fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay.

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Sacral nerve stimulation using InterStim Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with FI.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital vascular anomaly characterized by limb hypertrophy, cutaneous hemangiomas, and varicosities. GI hemorrhage is a potentially serious complication secondary to diffuse hemangiomatous involvement of the gut. We report on three patients with KTS who presented with transfusion-dependent anemia and life-threatening bleeding due to extensive cavernous hemangiomas involving the rectum. Two patients were treated by proctocolectomy and coloanal anastomosis, which preserved anal function while controlling bleeding. The third patient required an abdominoperineal resection because of extensive rectal, perianal, and perineal angiomatosis. The literature on the evaluation and management of GI hemorrhage in KTS, particularly of colorectal origin, is reviewed.

SNS for FI resulted in a relatively low infection rate. This finding is especially important because the only other Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for end-stage FI, the artificial bowel sphincter, reports a much higher rate. Combined with its published high therapeutic success rate, this treatment has a positive risk/benefit profile.