A good surgeon makes all the difference

This study examined the different factors determining long-term survival following surgery for colorectal cancer.

Survival rates among colorectal cancer patients have increased substantially over the past 20 years. Early diagnosis, a deeper understanding of the disease and improvements in treatments and surgical techniques have all contributed to increased survival. In order to better understand which characteristics and treatment aspects are most likely to determine patient survival, the current study explored the outcome of colorectal cancer patients who had their tumors surgically removed over the past 20 years.

Various factors were found to be associated with survival, including cancer stage, patient age, specific tumor location and overall patient health status. Surgeries planned in advance, compared to surgeries performed as emergency procedures when the patient is first admitted to the hospital, were found to be associated with better survival. Interestingly, patients under the care of a non-specialist surgeon experienced a 72% increase in the risk of mortality after surgery. Among 1821 colorectal cancer patients receiving surgery between 2001 and 2004, the 5 year survival rate was 62% for patients treated by surgeons who specialized in colorectal surgery, compared to 53% for patients treated by a non-specialist.

This study concluded that planned surgical removal of colorectal tumors, by specialized surgeons, is associated with increased long-term survival.