Follow-up after colorectal cancer--current practice in Wales and south west England.
The necessity for follow-up after curative resection of colorectal cancer remains controversial. Many studies have failed to demonstrate the increase in survival which might be anticipated when detailed follow-up methods are used. In the United Kingdom no single policy has evolved. This study has examined, therefore, the current follow-up practice of a large group of British surgeons. Six per cent carried out no routine postoperative follow-up and there was great variation in the methods used and the regularity of visits. There is a need for a rational policy based on controlled studies to determine whether follow-up is of benefit to the patient and to identify the most effective methods.
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004739:England; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014852:Wales