Follow-up after colorectal cancer: current practice in The Netherlands.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the current practice of follow-up after operations for colorectal cancer in The Netherlands in comparison with other countries.


METHODS
Postal survey.


METHODS
All surgical departments in The Netherlands.


METHODS
Attitudes of surgeons towards detection and treatment of recurrences after colorectal cancer.


RESULTS
Of the 139 questionnaires sent out, 136 (98%) were returned. History taking, physical examination, and colonoscopy for local recurrence and metachronous tumours were used by 90% of the hospitals. Attitudes towards screening for hepatic and pulmonary metastases and regional recurrence varied considerably between hospitals. Similar findings were found in seven surveys from other countries.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no consensus among surgeons regarding the follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer. Randomised controlled trials comparing different follow-up strategies and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed to identify groups of patients that will benefit most from follow-up. Identification of these patients may lead to more agreement between surgeons.
Bruinvels
D J
DJ
Medical Decision Making Unit, University Hospital Leiden, Netherlands.
Stiggelbout
A M
AM
Klaassen
M P
MP
Kievit
J
J
Dik
J
J
Habbema
F
F
Van de Velde
C J
CJ
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D009426:Netherlands; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011184:Postoperative Period