Surgeon's role in diagnostic advances

Surgeons have never intervened in the life of a sick patient merely when technical expertise is required. The unique anatomic, physiologic, and oncologic perspectives the surgeon possesses mandates that he/she play a major role in diagnostic advances and the management of most forms of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. This article briefly outlines the historical posture of surgeons in pursuing diagnostic advances in medicine and particularly colorectal cancer. It also emphasizes that the modern surgical investigator, in collaboration with the basic scientist, should form a critical core of a team of investigators in the pursuit of diagnostic advances.