Strategies of follow-up for colorectal cancer: a survey of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
BACKGROUND
The postoperative surveillance of patients who have undergone curative treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the follow-up practice of colorectal surgeons in the United States.


METHODS
A postal survey was sent to 1641 active members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons practicing in the United States to assess the frequency of follow-up and the methods used in the surveillance of asymptomatic patients following curative surgery for CRC.


RESULTS
Only 582 (36%) of the questionnaires that were sent were returned fully completed. Of these, 173 surgeons (30%) followed their patients according to guidelines. Ninety-four percent of surgeons during the first year and 81% during the second year saw their patients regularly every 3 or 6 months. The most widely used tests were colonoscopy and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing. There was wide discrepancy in the frequency of follow-up and techniques employed, with only about 50% of surgeons following recommended practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Surveillance strategies mainly rely on clinical examination, CEA monitoring and colonoscopy. No clear consensus on surveillance programs for CRC patients exists.
Giordano
P
P
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA.
Efron
J
J
Vernava
A M
AM
Weiss
E G
EG
Nogueras
J J
JJ
Wexner
S D
SD
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014481:United States
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen