The postoperative surveillance of patients with colon cancer and rectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Colon cancer is relatively common; however, the results of treatment have marginally improved over the last half century. Though about 85% of patients have colorectal tumors resected with curative intent, a significant number of these patients will eventually die from cancer. As a result, many clinicians have advocated intensive follow-up in such patients as an attempt to increase survival.


METHODS
A review of the literature focusing on studies that have specifically addressed postoperative surveillance programs in patients with colorectal cancer was conducted. Only studies with level A evidence were included. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work.


CONCLUSIONS
One of the six prospective randomized studies demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit. Undoubtedly, survival benefits can be shown with a well-designed evidence-based follow-up strategy. However, well-designed large prospective multi-institutional randomized studies are needed to establish a consensus for follow-up.
Abir
Farshad
F
Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208062, New Haven, CT 06520-8062, USA.
Alva
Suraj
S
Longo
Walter E
WE
Audiso
Riccardo
R
Virgo
Katherine S
KS
Johnson
Frank E
FE
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends