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Assessment of risk-independent follow-up to detect asymptomatic recurrence after curative resection of colorectal cancer

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Abstract

Background and aims

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death. We analyzed the value of standardized, risk-independent postoperative surveillance.

Materials and methods

Between 1995 and 2001, 564 patients with colorectal cancer underwent standardized oncologic resection. One hundred thirty-four were unable to take part in the surveillance program, while 430 patients were grouped as follows: group I (n=272, risk-independent follow-up), group II (n=113, follow-up at other departments), and group III (n=45, no follow-up).

Results

The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate for UICC III and IV was significantly higher in group I (87%) as compared to group II (35%). In group I, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 70%. Cancer recurrence occurred at mean 17 (±12) months after colorectal resection and yielded a 5-year survival rate of 63%. Reresection was performed in 17 (35%) patients, of whom ten remained disease-free (5-year survival rate, 91%). The money spent for one patient’s 5-year follow-up was 1665.

Conclusions

A standardized, risk-independent follow-up program allows early diagnosis of asymptomatic recurrence of colorectal cancer. Reresection improves the 5-year survival rate in this setting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Matthias Zitt, Gilbert Mühlmann, Helmut Weiss, Reinhold Kafka-Ritsch, Michael Oberwalder, Werner Kirchmayr, Raimund Margreiter, Dietmar Öfner & Alexander Klaus

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  1. Matthias Zitt
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  2. Gilbert Mühlmann
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  3. Helmut Weiss
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  4. Reinhold Kafka-Ritsch
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  5. Michael Oberwalder
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  7. Raimund Margreiter
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  8. Dietmar Öfner
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  9. Alexander Klaus
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Correspondence to Alexander Klaus.

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Zitt, M., Mühlmann, G., Weiss, H. et al. Assessment of risk-independent follow-up to detect asymptomatic recurrence after curative resection of colorectal cancer. Langenbecks Arch Surg 391, 369–375 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-006-0045-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-006-0045-5

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