Join Drs. Steele, Burke, & Premkumar in this episode of EPA Playbook, where we tackle a core general surgery EPA: the evaluation and management of benign and malignant colon disease. From common presentations like diverticulitis and lower GI bleeding to the diagnosis and workup of colon cancer, this episode provides a structured framework you can use on the wards, in clinic, and on call. Using case-based discussions, we walk through how to distinguishing benign from malignant processes, selecting appropriate imaging and endoscopy, and recognizing when a patient needs urgent intervention versus outpatient workup. We also cover key principles of colon cancer management, including staging, surgical planning, and multidisciplinary care, alongside high-yield management of benign conditions.

***FREE EPA COURSE: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/epa-playbook
Simply create an account on behindtheknife.org or our app and you the course will automatically show up in your Library.

For additional information on EPAs, visit the American Board of Surgery EPA webpage: https://www.absurgery.org/get-certified/epas/. 

Cited Studies:

Gustafsson, U.O., Scott, M.J., Hubner, M. et al. Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations: 2018. World J Surg 43, 659–695 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-018-4844-y

BTK Resources:

Ostomy Marking Video
https://behindtheknife.org/video/behind-the-knife-ostomy-marking

How to Change an Ostomy Appliance Video
https://behindtheknife.org/video/behind-the-knife-how-to-change-an-ostomy-appliance

How to Manage a Challenging Ostomy Video
https://behindtheknife.org/video/behind-the-knife-how-to-manage-a-challenging-ostomy