Colon, Rectum and Anus: Anatomic, Physiologic and Diagnostic Bases for Disease Management

- Introduction to Coloproctology

- Coloproctology: From its Origins to the Super-Specialization

- To be a Coloproctologist Today

- A Surgeon for the Pelvic Floor: Dream or Reality?

- Anatomy

- Surgical Anatomy of the Colon, Rectum and Anus

- Topographic Anatomy of the Colon and Rectum: Tips and Tricks in Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery

- Topographic Anatomy in Proctologic Surgery

- Physiology

- Physiology of the Colon

- Physiology of the Rectum and Anus

- Factors Affecting the Intestinal Physiology

- Factors Affecting the Defecation and Anal Continence

- Colorectal Surgery: Organ and Function Preservation

- Anal Surgery: Organ and Function Preservation

- Diagnosis

- Patient's History Data Collection in Coloproctology

- Visiting a Coloproctology Patient: Rules and Suggestions

- Signs and Symptoms in Coloproctology: Data Collection and Scores

- Diagnosis in Coloproctology: from the General Practitioner to the Tertiary Referral Center

- Instruments for the In-Office Diagnosis

- Colonic and Rectal Endoscopy

- Colonic and Rectal Endosonography

- Imaging of colonic diseases: procedures and indications

- Radiologic Imaging of recto-anal diseases: procedures and indications

- Ultrasound of the Colon and Rectum: Procedures and Indications

- Anorectal Manometry

- Electrophysiological Study of the Pelvic Floor

- Integration of Diagnostics in Proctology: Assessment, Choice of Treatment, and Evaluation of Results

- Pathologic Evaluation of Colo-Recto-Anal Samples: Procedures and Clinical Significance

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).

"The purpose is to provide up-to-date information on the basics of colorectal surgery, covering a broad variety of topics. ... The audience seems to be practitioners who may encounter proctology in the office setting and those already with a knowledge base in colorectal or general surgery ... . this is a terrific reference. ... I applaud the authors for their innovative and fresh approach to what is usually a dry subject." (Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, Doody's Book Reviews, February, 2017)