Emergency First Presentation of Colorectal Cancer Predicts Significantly Poorer Outcomes

Abstract

Of all colonic resections, 34 percent were carried out as emergencies and were significantly more likely to be complicated by obstruction or perforation (P < 0.001). Emergency resections were associated with a significantly poorer perioperative mortality and five-year survival rate (P < 0.001). Forty-one percent of colorectal cancers diagnosed at endoscopy were first seen emergently. These data raise concerns regarding public awareness of colorectal cancer and resource allocation and reemphasize the need for a national colorectal screening program.