Early refeeding reduces complications after colorectal cancer surgery.
A study involving 275 colorectal cancer patients revealed that early postoperative refeeding significantly reduces the risk of infectious complications and hospital stays exceeding five days. Specifically, late refeeding, use of nasogastric tubes, and intra-abdominal drains were identified as factors that increase complications. The findings indicate that early refeeding should be prioritized to enhance recovery and minimize risks associated with prolonged hospitalization. 75.4% of patients in the study received early refeeding.
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.