Newest Challenges and Advances in the Treatment of Colorectal Disorders; From Predictive Biomarkers to Minimally Invasive Techniques

Colorectal disorders have come to the forefront of modern endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery due to the significant incidence rates and effects on patient quality of life (QoL). Heralded by the rising diagnosis rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, surgical techniques on resection, lymph node harvesting, and bowel anastomosis have been rapidly advancing, in parallel to more minimally invasive approaches such as stenting, tattooing and endoscopic resection. While the role of the colorectal specialist surgeon is central in treating benign and malignant colorectal disease, we must further study the role of novel biomarkers, tumor genomics and proteomics, as well as the use of less invasive methods with regards to the prognosis and outcomes of such patients.

The aim of this Special Issue is to extend the literature discussing the role of colorectal surgery in a context that incorporates the use of novel biomarkers of colorectal cancer, predictors of postoperative complications, and the role of the endoscopist or minimally invasive surgeon in achieving comparable patient outcomes while reducing complication rates. Prognostic markers are ever-evolving in colorectal surgery, with a multitude of published biomarkers and population-level factors that influence patient outcomes and QoL metrics. The systematic presentation of such factors is another goal of this special issue. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of colorectal disease and the management of common complications are also to be discussed in this Special Issue.

We are inviting potential contributors to submit their work on current challenges in colorectal disease (benign or malignant) and newest advances in minimally invasive techniques. In particular, we invite researchers to submit their work on the colorectal cancer survival predictors, including the newest neoadjuvant chemoradiation regimens, lymphatic invasion in rectal cancer, perineal complications after rectal cancer treatment, the updated role of the endoscopist in the treatment of colorectal disease, and the newest operative and nonoperative treatment approaches of diverticular disease. Within the scope of the Special Issue, we also invite researchers to present their work on volatile biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, and advances in colorectal cancer proteomics. Original articles, narrative reviews and systematic reviews will be considered for publication.