Dear readers,
A variety of strategies are available for resecting colorectal cancer and the choice is strictly dependent on the stage of the tumor and individual factors. Whichever surgical method is selected and used, numerous postoperative complications (POCs) can occur that will affect surgical outcomes. Furthermore, complications can significantly result in morbidity, compromise the patients’ quality of life, and even negatively impact their survival. An accurate preoperative assessment of the potential risk of POCs is therefore recommended.
Several criteria have been proposed in clinical trials and subsequently applied in clinical practice. Models for the evaluation of POC risk after colorectal surgery are based on different prognostic factors and preoperative variables, and they generally address a single specific type of complication.
A retrospective study from Tan and colleagues recently investigated the feasibility of a new prediction model combining preoperative abdominal spectral CT parameters and clinical features in patients undergoing radical colon cancer resection, with the aim of identifying the most comprehensive predictive model of POCs and providing a personalized risk assessment to reduce and effectively manage these adverse events. Prof. Torregrossa analyzed this publication in her “Analysis & Opinion” contribution reported in this Newsletter, where the strengths and limitations of this study are examined.
Along with this scientific paper, we have selected an Italian publication where CT was shown to provide an efficient imaging tool to screen patients at higher risk of complications after colon surgery in the emergency setting, and thus to prevent their occurrence.
This Newsletter also includes a new clinical case supporting the instrumental role of contrast-enhanced CT in the early and reliable detection of POCs, before they develop after surgery for colorectal cancer.
As usual, suggestions for topics to be covered in future issues of this newsletter are welcome. Please send your proposals to us at editorial@mdct.net.
From the MDCT.net team
