Synchronous and metachronous colorectal carcinoma.

Background: Synchronous and metachronous colorectal carcinoma have an incidence of 2-10%. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, the accuracy of diagnostic examinations and the survival of these patients.

Methods: From 1970 to 1999, 1160 patients with colorectal cancer were admitted to our Department.

A case of mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in long-standing multiple perianal and presacral fistulas.

Chronic anal fistulas are not rare; however, the development of a carcinoma in long-standing, perianal fistulas is rare. We describe a case of an 85-year-old man with multiple, recurring, perianal fistulas, extending to the natal cleft. The patient underwent en bloc resection of the fistulas which were in direct continuity with the middle rectum.

Prognostic significance of mucinous component in colorectal carcinoma.

Background: Many factors influence survival in colorectal cancer patients, one of them is the mucinous component of the tumour. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is characterized by the extracellular mucin of more than 50% of the tumour volume.

Methods: From 1970 to 1999, 1160 patients were admitted to our clinic for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer in patients over 70 years of age: determinants of outcome.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate operative risk factors, the mortality, morbidity and survival in old patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: From 1160 patients with colorectal cancer, 398 patients aged 70 years or older, from 1970 to 2000, were followed-up. Dukes' classification, differentiation, sex, anatomical site and survival were compared with patients <70 years old.