title: Follow-up after colorectal cancer: current practice in The Netherlands.
abstract: 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.
authors: Medical Decision Making Unit, University Hospital Leiden, Netherlands.
authors: D J
authors: DJ
authors: Bruinvels
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Stiggelbout
authors: M P
authors: MP
authors: Klaassen
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Kievit
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Dik
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Habbema
authors: C J
authors: CJ
authors: Van de Velde
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D009426:Netherlands; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011184:Postoperative Period