title: The role of postoperative surveillance in colorectal cancer.
abstract: Postoperative surveillance for recurrent and/or metachronous disease is an important component of the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. The optimal schedule of follow-up investigations remains controversial. Several randomized trials have suggested a moderate improvement in 5-year survival and earlier detection of cancer recurrence with the implementation of intensive surveillance protocols. Whether these protocols are cost-effective has yet to be determined. Current guidelines from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommend periodic patient follow-up with office visits, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurement, and endoscopy following potentially curative resection of colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA.
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hammond
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Margolin