Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2009; 22(4): 242-250
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242464
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Surveillance after Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer

Adena Scheer1 , Rebecca Ann C Auer2
  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Surgical Oncology and Colorectal Surgery, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 November 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

Surgical resection is the primary treatment modality for patients with localized colorectal cancer, but unfortunately one-third to one-half of these patients will develop a recurrence. If detected early, recurrent disease may be amenable to surgical resection and this provides the rationale for a follow-up strategy in patients with resected colorectal cancer. Despite eight published randomized controlled trials and six published systematic reviews evaluating different follow-up strategies, there is still no consensus as to the appropriateness of follow-up in colorectal cancer patients. In the present article the authors explore the reasons behind the controversy and the arguments used to support each side. They outline the current published guidelines and the data to support these recommendations, including the use of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, liver imaging, and colonoscopy. Finally, they speculate on the future developments that may impact on this debate.

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Rebecca Ann C AuerM.D. 

Surgical Oncology and Colorectal Surgery, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital–General Campus

501 Smyth Rd., CCW 1617, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6 Canada

Email: rauer@ohri.ca

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