Preoperative investigations for metastatic staging of colon and rectal cancer across multiple centres - What is current practice?

Abstract

Objective: The optimal strategy for elective distant staging of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has yet to be defined, with current guidelines based on small and limited series. One specific issue requiring review is the value of routine computerized tomographic (CT) chest examination. Also lacking is data on current routine clinical practice. Method: A retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of elective surgery for CRC from five hospitals. Results: Two hundred and fifty-seven cases were reviewed, 128 colon and 129 rectal primaries. 164 (64%) of patients overall, ranging from 45% to 88% across the individual centres, had a preoperative serum CEA level performed. CT abdomen/pelvis was perf..