Follow-up after attempted curative surgery for colorectal cancer; postal survey of New Zealand surgeons' practice.
OBJECTIVE
The role of follow-up after attempted curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clearly defined. We wished to establish the frequency, duration and type of follow-up practised by New Zealand surgeons.


METHODS
A postal survey was performed of surgeons on the General Medical Register, asking about the follow-up of asymptomatic patients after potential curative surgery.


RESULTS
The response rate was 66%(107/163). There was wide variability in the frequency, duration and type of the indicated follow-up practice. 97% of surgeons followed their patients on average four monthly for the first year. At five years, 79% of surgeons followed their patients. Routine blood tests were performed 54%, while serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were measured by 56% of surgeons for the first two years. 41% performed abdominal imaging in the first two years. 97% of surgeons screened the remaining colon (88% by colonoscopy). 90% performed colonic screening three to five yearly.


CONCLUSIONS
Follow-up after potential curative surgery for CRC appears to be widely practised in New Zealand. There is, however, considerable variation between surgeons in the frequency, duration and type of follow-up. This may reflect the conflicting evidence in the literature on the value of follow-up. The outcome of current large prospective randomised trials may confirm whether or not such follow-up is worthwhile and what form it should take.
Connor
S
S
Department of Surgery, Christchurch Hospital and School of Medicine.
Frizelle
F A
FA
Bagshaw
P F
PF
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009520:New Zealand; D009780:Occult Blood; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen