Risk factors and operative mortality in surgery for colorectal cancer.

  • 1 September 1991
    • journal article
    • Vol. 73  (5) , 269-72
Abstract
The operative mortality rate after surgery for colorectal carcinoma remains significant. A series of 578 patients has been studied prospectively. The features which most significantly affect operative mortality are the age of the patient, a history of loss of weight, limited preoperative patient mobility and the presence of intestinal obstruction with perforation of the bowel. By identifying high-risk groups of patients, attention may be focused on particular patients at risk, in order to reduce operative mortality.