Fifteen year experience about postoperative surveillance in colorectal cancer [SORVEGLIANZA POSTOPERATORIA ATTIVA E PASSIVA DEI PAZIENTI OPERATI PER CANCRO COLORETTALE]

Of 248 patients who underwent potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer, 123 (group 1) were entered into postoperative and individualized surveillance programme that differed according to risk category; whereas 125 patients (group 2) were not seen after operation. No difference was observed in two groups of patients about local recurrences (42%), median disease free survival (16 months) and overall 5-year survival (62% vs 52%). Local recurrences (46,2% vs 25%) and reoperation for cure (34,5% vs 17,3%) was greater in the follow-up group compared with no-follow-up group patients (p < 0,05). Of relapsing patients undergoing follow-up, 77% were asymptomatic and 40% of these were reoperated for cure. Five-year survival of these reoperated recurred patients was 12,5%; whereas symptomatic relapsing patients were dead within 24 months after reoperation.