Predictive tool for early detection of anastomotic leakage
A novel predictive tool combining early warning scores and C-reactive protein levels has been developed to detect anastomotic leakage after colon cancer surgery. Analysis of 1,855 patient records revealed that mean CRP levels exceeded 200 mg/l and early warning scores above 2 indicated leakage. Specifically, postoperative day 3 emerged as critical for detection, with cutoffs of 2.4 for the early warning score and 180 mg/l for CRP offering a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 70%.
A Japanese randomized trial found that a 14-day schedule of trifluridine-tipiracil plus bevacizumab keeps patients with metastatic colorectal cancer alive as long as the standard 28-day schedule, with far less toxicity.
Five years after surgery for low rectal cancer, patients operated on robotically did as well as those operated on laparoscopically, according to a randomized trial from three Korean centres.
