Treatment patterns in metastatic early-onset rectal cancer.

Background: Early onset rectal cancer (EORC) is increasing internationally. While EORC cancer presents with some distinct clinical features, there is currently insufficient evidence that age of onset should alter treatment. This study examines treatment patterns for EO versus late-onset (LO) metastatic rectal cancer in Canterbury, New Zealand, to better understand appropriate treatment strategies and there effect on patient outcomes.

Challenges around diagnosis of early onset colorectal cancer, and the case for screening.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in the world, with an estimated 1.93 million cases diagnosed in 2020. While the overall CRC incidence in many countries is falling there has been a dramatic increase in CRC in those aged under 50 (early onset colorectal cancer, EOCRC).

Do treatment patterns differ in those with early-onset colorectal cancer?

Background: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is increasing. International guidelines state that treatment should not differ from that of older patients. Several studies have shown that patients under 50 years are receiving more aggressive treatment, without any survival benefit.

Comparing outcomes and cost in surgery versus watch & wait surveillance of patients with rectal cancer post neoadjuvant long course chemoradiotherapy.

Background: Watch and wait (W&W) in complete clinical responders after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has increasingly robust data supporting its oncological safety. Recently, studies have assessed the real-world costs of this strategy compared to surgical resection. Our aim was to compare our oncological safety and costs associated with operative and surveillance strategies to international literature.

Human factors in pelvic exenteration: themes in high-performing teams.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of human factors in pelvic exenteration and how team performance is optimized in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases.

Method: Qualitative analysis of focus groups was used to capture authentic human interactions that reflect real-world multiprofessional performance. Theatre teams were treated as clusters, with a particular focus group containing participants who worked together regularly.

Influence of the type of anatomic resection on anastomotic leak after surgery for colon cancer.

Introduction: Anastomotic leak (AL) after colon cancer resection is feared by surgeons because of its associated morbidity and mortality. Considerable research has been directed at predictive factors for AL, but not the anatomic type of colonic resection. Anecdotally, certain types of resection are associated with higher leak rates although there remains a paucity of data on this.

Incidence and risk factors for unplanned readmission after colorectal surgery: A meta-analysis.

Background: Unplanned readmissions (URs) after colorectal surgery (CRS) are common, expensive, and result from failure to progress in postoperative recovery. These are considered preventable, although the true extent is yet to be defined. In addition, their successful prediction remains elusive due to significant heterogeneity in this field of research.