Introduction

Article Outline

• Copyright

Seminars in Colon & Rectal Surgery was first published in March, 1990. In the introduction to volume 1, number 1, Dr. Malcolm C. Veidenheimer, the first Editor-in-Chief, announced that the publication would “appear in a quarterly fashion” and be “dedicated to a comprehensive review of a particular subject in the field of colon and rectal surgery.” Each volume has been compiled by a guest editor with recognized authority in the chosen topic, utilizing as many contributors as necessary to provide a comprehensive review of each subject. This format continues to the present.

Also in the first introduction it was stated that “the subject of colon and rectal surgery lends itself to a total review in the course of a 4- or 5-year period.” Consequently, there have been several issues over the years dedicated to colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor physiology, various anal conditions and laparoscopy. Other topics have been published only once; however, the entire field of colon and rectal surgery continues to be covered in a comprehensive fashion. Perhaps one of the most unique contributions has been that of Dr. Marvin Corman (volume 4, 1999), who used his expertise in the history of the field to compile the “Landmark Articles of the 20th Century.”

In 1995 the position of editor-in-chief was passed from Dr. Veidenheimer to me. In the eleven years in that capacity, ownership of the journal has passed from W.B. Saunders (thanks to Livia Berardi for all of her help) to Harcourt to Elsevier, with new managing editors with each change of ownership. It is a testimony to the current publisher, Herb Niemirow, and the staff of Elsevier that the quality publication continues.

Recognition by Index Medicus is a desired benchmark for any publication, facilitating citations in the medical literature and enhancing the perceived value of the journal. Despite two attempts, Seminars in Colon & Rectal Surgery is currently not listed; we continue to be committed to achieving this recognition and are mounting another application. This can be an impediment for recruiting contributors, as competition for time has become more fierce and the ability to pursue scholarly work has suffered. I would personally like to thank each and every contributor over the years for his or her sacrifice in maintaining such a high quality publication.

The purpose of this particular volume, “SCRS: The First Ten Years”, is to reproduce some articles that I believe are unique and relatively timeless, with Editor’s comments. By no means is this list meant to be definitive or exhaustive of the excellence that has characterized the first ten years of this journal. In fact, it is my sincere hope that the readers will have valued Seminars in Colon & Rectal Surgery enough to have their own list.