This large prospective clinical study validates previous trial results, and confirms that there is no difference in oncological outcome between laparoscopic and open surgery for colon cancer.

There is level one evidence to support combined mechanical and chemical thromboprophylaxis for 7-10 days after colorectal cancer surgery, but there remains a paucity of data to support extended prophylaxis after discharge. The aim of this clinical review is to summarise the currently available evidence for extended venous thromboprophylaxis after elective colorectal cancer surgery. Clinical review of the major clinical guidelines and published clinical data evaluating extended venous thromboprophylaxis after elective colorectal cancer surgery. Five major guideline recommendations are outlined, and the results of the five published randomised controlled trials are summarised and reviewed with a specific focus on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of extended heparin prophylaxis to prevent clinically relevant post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE) after colorectal cancer surgery. Extended VTE prophylaxis after colorectal cancer surgery reduces the incidence of asymptomatic screen detected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) only, with no demonstrable reduction in symptomatic DVT, symptomatic PE, or VTE related death. Evidence for cost-effectiveness is limited. As the incidence of clinical VTE is very low in this patient subgroup overall, future research should be focused on higher risk patient subgroups in whom a reduction in VTE may be both more demonstrable and clinically relevant.

The umbilicus, a natural orifice, which is used as an access port during laparoscopic surgery, can be used as a stoma site with potential superior cosmetic results as one less incision is then required. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of the umbilical stoma in a selected group of patients. This is a prospective case series in hospital patients admitted as emergency or elective. Patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with a planned ileostomy at Box Hill Hospital were approached and invited to participate in the study, with the stoma being fashioned on the umbilicus. Outcomes of interest included demographics, the details regarding the original indication for operation, operative and hospital related outcomes, postoperative bowel related complications, and other surgical and medical complications. Outcomes of a total of 10 (5 males) patients who underwent umbilical covering ileostomy during the study period were analyzed. Two patients with ulcerative colitis had the second stage of their operation converting their end stomas to loop stoma. These were counted twice, totaling 12 stomas in 10 patients. Three patients had their umbistomas after receiving neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. The median period patients have had umbistomas is 113 days. Overall morbidity during the initial operation was low, except for 1 patient who had a small bowel injury. There was no mortality. Minor peristomal skin changes were the most common postoperative complication. Three patients had their stomas reversed with excellent cosmesis. Umbistomas appear to be a safe and effective way to fashion covering stomas post laparoscopic surgery and save the patient an added incision with excellent cosmetic results.

Background: As coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continue to rise, healthcare workers have been working overtime to ensure that all patients receive care in a timely manner. Our study aims to identify the impact and outcomes of COVID-19 on colorectal cancers presentations across the five major colorectal units in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: This is a retrospective study from a prospectively collected database from the binational colorectal cancer audit (BCCA) registry, as well as inpatient records. All patients with colorectal cancer between