Laparoscopic Colon Surgery (eBook)

This book is the structured, comprehensive work of experienced surgeons and constitutes the condensed and succinct epitome of knowledge and guidance for those interested in Laparoscopic Colon Surgery (LCS), focusing only on colon laparoscopy. The milestones in LCS are presented offering valuable background information about the evolution of LCS throughout the years and presenting how it still has a limited application, no matter the need for minimal invasive, fast-track, surgical procedures that can offer better quality to patients and less cost for any healthcare system. The book aims to highlight the preferred diagnostic procedures, the right methods for the efficient and rational selection of patients, the choice of the best surgical techniques and treatments, and the best management of post-operative complications for an early discharge. It provides adequate information to the surgeons or the surgical residents interested in LCS about how to select, what to avoid, what instruments to use, what techniques to follow, how the evaluation of patient's anatomy can lead to better surgical planning, and the add-on of robotic colon surgery in the quality of patients' life. Moreover, the book provides information about the most efficient anaesthesia adequate for LCS; information that most books of its kind do not include. Finally, the book provides excellent information about the best education and practices to be followed in LCS; something of special importance after considering the level of difficulty associated with LCS and the high conversion rate compared to other laparoscopic procedures. Although the primary focus of this book are surgeons (LCS, GI, General) and surgical residents, the content still can offer valuable information to these healthcare leaders who are interested in understanding the milestones and benefits of the right model of education, and the best practices related to LCS.     

Prof Gregory Kouraklis holds an MD from the University of Athens, Greece. He pursued postgraduate studies both in Greece and the USA. A General Surgeon with a special interest in Surgical Oncology, he has published more than 200 articles in peer-reviewed international journals and ca. 150 articles in Greek journals. Prof Kouraklis has been the Editor of two books, Guest Editor for three special issues of European Surgical Research, Senior Editor for one journal, and served on the Editorial Boards of 20 journals. He is also a co-editor for the Journal of the Hellenic Surgical Society, which is published by Springer.

Prof Eugenia Matsiota is one of the few healthcare leaders whose background combines academic and business experience. Holding a Bachelor of Arts from the American College of Greece, a Master's from Henley Business School, UK, and a PhD from the University of Phoenix, USA, she has more than 23 years of business experience in the healthcare sector. For the last three years she has been teaching Globalization of Health Care, Public Policy and Healthcare in courses for undergraduate students. Prof. Matsiota has conducted extensive research on the value of simulation training in laparoscopic colectomy with a special focus on the economic benefits for healthcare systems. Her research interests include Surgical/Medical Education, Education & Technology, Cost-Effectiveness of Health Care Plans, International Business, and Medical Tourism.