Indicators of symptom improvement and survival in inpatients with advanced cancer undergoing palliative surgical consultation.

Background: The purpose of this study was to prospectively identify the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of inpatients with advanced malignancy undergoing palliative surgical consultation.

Methods: Inpatients undergoing palliative surgical consultation were prospectively identified from November 2008 to May 2011. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to obtain clinical data and outcome.