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Surgical specialization and training – its relation to clinical outcome for colorectal cancer surgery
Author(s) -
Anwar Suhail,
Fraser Sheila,
Hill Jim
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of evaluation in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.737
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2753
pISSN - 1356-1294
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2010.01525.x
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , total mesorectal excision , colorectal surgery , surgery , general surgery , cancer , abdominal surgery
Rationale, aims and objectives Surgical sub‐specialization has been considered to be a major factor in improving cancer surgery‐related outcomes in terms of 5‐year survival and disease‐free intervals. In this article we have looked at the evidence supporting the improvement in colorectal cancer outcomes with ‘colorectal specialists’ performing colon and rectal surgery. Methods A literature review was carried out using search engines such as Pubmed, Ovid and Cochrane Databases. Only studies looking at colorectal cancer outcome related to surgery were included in our review. Results Specialist surgeons performing a high volume of colorectal cancer surgery demonstrated better 5‐year survival rates in patients, with less local recurrence. This was most evident in surgery for rectal cancer, where an association with increased sphincter saving surgery was also seen. Total mesorectal excision is now the accepted treatment for rectal cancer and has markedly improved survival rates and decreased local recurrence. Conclusion The outcomes in colorectal surgery continue to steadily improve. The training of specialized colorectal surgeons is a major contributing factor towards this improvement.