Anal condyloma acuminatum is a human papillomavirus (HPV) that affects the mucosa and skin of the anorectum and genitalia. Anal condyloma acuminatum is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the United States. To date, there are more than 100 HPV types, with HPV-6, HPV-10, and HPV-11 predominately found in the anogenital region and causing approximately 90% of genital warts. Risk factors for anal condyloma acuminatum include multiple sex partners, early coital age, anal intercourse, and immunosuppression. Transmission occurs by way of skin-to-skin contact through sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, or other contact involving the genital area. The virus may remain latent for months to years until specific mechanisms cause production of viral DNA, leading to the presentation of anal condyloma acuminatum.Patients with anal condyloma acuminatum may be asymptomatic or present with presence of painless bumps, itching, and discharge or bleeding. It is not uncommon to have involvement of more than one area, and multiple lesions may also be present and extend into the anal canal or rectum. To date, there is no serologic testing or culture to detect anal condyloma acuminatum; therefore, diagnosis is made clinically or by detection of HPV DNA. Multiple factors determine the choice of treatment, which may range from patient-applied medications to surgical intervention. Despite treatment choice, recurrence rates are high, indicating the importance of patient education on prevention of HPV infection and reinfection. Unfortunately, at this time, no cure exists for anal condyloma acuminatum; however, recently Gardasil and Cervarix (in Australia only) vaccines have become available and are showing promising results.

Comparing the quality of life of persons who have experienced amputations and persons who have had bowel resections illustrates the impact of chronic disease upon all aspects of a patient's life. Because the purpose of nursing research is to bring about knowledge to better direct patient care, understanding the impact of chronic illness contributes to an improvement in the quality of life of these patients. By appreciating the patient's perspective concerning the illness, the nurse can better educate the patient in all aspects of the disease process. Based on Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, this study acknowledged the need for evidence-based nursing practice to care for the well-being of the patient in a holistic manner. Our hypothesis was adult patients after Crohn disease-related bowel resection experience a better quality of life than do adult patients with peripheral vascular disease related amputation. This descriptive comparative study had a sample of patients with Crohn disease and resection (n = 28) and patients with peripheral vascular amputation (n = 16). The instrument used to measure quality of life was the RAND-36 Item Health Survey 1.0. Results revealed significant differences between the patients with bowel resection and those with peripheral vascular amputation with regard to physical functioning, general health, and role limitations related to physical health. No significant differences existed between the two groups in terms of energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, role limitations related to emotional problems, and pain. Results from the data may indicate that the incorporation of more education regarding social, emotional, physiological, and psychological aspects of postoperative life may be of importance to evidence based nursing practice. This addition may also lead to better adjustment to postoperative life for patients and improve overall quality of life.

Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis is one of many causes of mesenteric ischemia and may occur after intestinal surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. While hypercoagulability is a known complication of inflammatory bowel disease, other risk factors may also coexist and play a role in the development of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. The true etiology of hypercoagulability that seems to be present in the face of inflammatory bowel disease is unknown but thought to be related to multiple factors including vitamin deficiency, the inflammatory process, prothrombotic conditions, hypercoagulable states, and other abnormalities of coagulation. Symptoms of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis are often vague, leading to a delay in diagnosis, increasing not only the mortality rate but also the need for surgical intervention rather than medical management. Once diagnosed, patients are managed with anticoagulation alone or in combination with surgical intervention. Most patients improve and will continue anticoagulation therapy ranging from 3 months to lifelong treatment, depending on the origin of the hypercoagulable state and the extent of condition.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is linked to anogenital cancers. College-aged males are at high risk for contracting HPV due to a lack of HPV knowledge and low vaccination rates. NPs are responsible for providing this education and in return can help reduce infection transmission.

Establishment of a hereditary colorectal cancer registry with a clinic-based protocol improves identification of Lynch syndrome.