WTP7.14 The ‘Right’ Strategy? Can we change the risk profile of emergency presentations of right sided colorectal cancers?

Abstract

Abstract Background Up to 30% of patients with colorectal cancer present acutely and have worse outcomes than elective patients. We sought to compare cancer care quality and clinical outcomes between emergency and elective presentations of right-sided colon cancer. Methods This single-centre, retrospective study included all patients who underwent operative management (emergency and elective) for a right-sided colon cancer, from 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2022. Data were collected from electronic patient records and analysed to compare host and tumour factors as well as outcomes between emergency and elective cohorts. Results Overall 303 patients (median age 72) were included. 65 patients (22%) presented as an emergency: 36 presented in obstruction and 11 with tumour perforation, compared to 1 patient with tumour perforation in the elective group (p=<0.0001). Emergency presentation was associated with more advanced tumour stage (p=0.001). The emergency group had lower rates of laparoscopic surgery (32% vs 86% p=<0.0001); higher rates of post-operative complications (47% vs 27% p=0.05); increased 90-day mortality (20% vs 3% p=0.001); and a longer hospital stay (9 vs 4 days p=0.048). 50% of emergency patients received adjuvant chemotherapy compared to 56% of elective patients (p=0.71). No differences were found between the two groups regarding demographics, comorbidities, or time to MDT discussion. Discussion Outcomes of acute right-hemicolectomy are poor, with inadequate access to subsequent chemotherapy. Strategies addressing acute presentations of left-sided tumours have moved towards temporisation and elective surgery; this strategy is rarely adopted for acute presentations of right-sided tumours. Delaying major resectional surgery for optimisation may improve short-term outcomes, and access to adjuvant therapies.