In a nutshell The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) and open surgery for patients with rectal cancer. The study found no difference in patient outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgery groups. Some background Localized rectal cancer can be treated by surgical removal of the tumor. Usually, patients...
Read MoreType(s) of colorectal cancer (CRC)-Carcinoid of the rectum Posts on Medivizor
Chemotherapy before surgery does not affect bowel function in patients with rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of different therapies on bowel movements after surgery in patients with rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that chemotherapy alone does not affect the bowel function after rectal surgery. Some background In the past 20 years, advances in the treatment of rectal cancer improved outcomes and survival...
Read MoreSmoking increases the risk for spread of colorectal cancer to the lungs
In a nutshell This study assessed whether smoking increased the chance for spread of colorectal cancer (CRC) to the lungs. The study found that smoking may be a risk factor for cancer spread to the lungs. Some background Smoking is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is commonly known to spread to the liver when...
Read MoreManagement of colorectal liver metastasis
In a nutshell This study investigated the surgical treatment and associated outcomes of colorectal liver metastasis (the cancer has spread to the liver). Researchers suggested that individualized care for each patient is crucial to better plan the treatment and extent survival. Some background The liver is the most common place for colorectal...
Read MoreNew minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the outcome of a new type of surgery for rectal cancer. Some background A main treatment for rectal cancer is surgery to remove the tumor (resection) and to reattach the remaining ends of the digestive tract (anastomosis). In the past, this surgery has been done through one large cut in the abdomen, a fairly...
Read MoreIs single incision surgery safe and effective for rectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study examined the medium-term outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer. Some background One major aspect of treatment for rectal cancer is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. This is generally a major surgery which can be difficult to recover from. Newer techniques, such as...
Read MoreTreatment for lung metastases: how good is radiofrequency ablation for colorectal cancer patients?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with colorectal lung metastases (cancer that has spread from the colon or rectum to the lung). Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. For up to 25% of patients the colon or rectal cancer will have spread to...
Read MoreLung invasion: what are the outcomes of colorectal cancer patients who have undergone lung surgery?
In a nutshell This study examined cancer relapse rates and treatment options for patients with colorectal lung metastases (colorectal cancer that has spread to the lungs) after curative lung surgery. Some background Roughly 20% of patients with colorectal cancer will have cancer in a distant organ by the time they are diagnosed. The cancer will...
Read MoreComparison of two treatment combinations for colorectal cancer patients not eligible for liver surgery
In a nutshell The authors assessed the safety and efficacy of two treatment combinations for colorectal cancer patients who have liver invasion but who are not eligible for surgery. Some background For patients with colorectal cancer the cancer is most likely to invade the liver if it spreads. Surgery is the best treatment option if the cancer has...
Read MoreWho says age matters? Bevacizumab (Avastin) is safe and effective for treating colorectal cancer in patients old and young
In a nutshell This study examined the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin) for treating elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread from the colon or rectum to distant sites). Some background Bevacizumab is an anti-cancer drug that blocks the formation of new blood vessels needed for the cancer to grow and...
Read MoreUnplanned readmission to hospital after colorectal surgery: how often does it happen and why?
In a nutshell This study examined how often and why patients are readmitted to hospital within 90 days of colorectal cancer surgery. Some background Treatment for colorectal cancer often involves surgery, which can be followed by chemotherapy. After a short recovery period in hospital most patients will continue their recovery at home....
Read MoreProtective stomas are often created for rectal cancer patients, but do they help?
In a nutshell This study assessed whether a protective stoma (a surgically created opening from the abdomen to bowel) benefits rectal cancer patients undergoing low anterior resection. Some background Low anterior resection is a standard surgery for rectal cancer. It involves removing the rectum and in some cases other parts of the bowel. Where...
Read More