In a nutshell
This study investigated whether tummy infections (TIs) after surgery are associated with colorectal cancer outcomes. Researchers suggested that TIs might be associated with a shorter time until recurrence.
Some background
Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in the US affecting more than 145,000 people every year. Surgery is necessary for long-term outcomes. Anastomotic leaks are a very serious complication after surgery. They consist of a leak of body fluids from the surgical site and can be associated with abdominal (tummy) infections. Prior studies suggested an association between anastomotic leaks, TIs, and cancer outcomes. However, too little is known about how TIs affect long-term colorectal cancer outcomes.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 755 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery. These patients had stage 1 to 3 colorectal cancer. Of these 62 had TIs. The average follow-up was 48 months.
Patients with TI had a significantly shorter local recurrence-free survival (RFS; time from treatment to local recurrence). No significant difference was seen in survival, including cancer-specific survival and overall survival.
The bottom line
This study concluded that TIs after colorectal cancer surgery are associated with poorer recurrence-free survival.
The fine print
This study was based on data from medical records. Information might have been missing. This might have influenced the results.
Published By :
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Date :
Jan 02, 2020
