Long-term outcomes after complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Data on long-term survival and recurrence of cancer after complete mesocolic excision (CME) for colon cancer has not been reported from our center and related to international data. OBJECTIVE: Describe overall and disease-free survival, survival by surgery site and stage, and recurrence rates after curative surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTINGS: Academic tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included all patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open surgery for colon cancer with curative intent between 2001 and 2011. The colorectal database was reviewed for the following: demographic data, comorbidities, radiologic investigations, clinical stage, type of operation, complications, pathologic assessment, adjuvant treatment, recurrence and survival. Survival and recurrence rates were calculated, and survival curves were generated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 5-year overall survival, secondary endpoints were 5-year disease-free survival, survival by surgery site and stage, and recurrence rates. SAMPLE SIZE: 220. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 57 (13) years (CI 95%: 55-59 years). There were 112 males. Mean (SD) body mass index was 27.6 (5.7) kg/m(2) (CI 95%: 27-28). Pathological assessment revealed R0 (microscopically margin-negative) resection in 207 (94%). The overall 5-year survival and disease-free survival was 77.9% and 70%, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival was 69% for the sigmoid/left colon and 69% for the right colon (difference statistically nonsignificant). Stages at the time of resection were stage 0 for 2 (0.01%) patients, stage I for 18 (8%), stage II for 92 (42%), stage III for 100 (46%), and stage IV for 6 (3%). The 5-year overall survival by stages I, II, III and IV was 94%, 80%, 75% and 50%, respectively (difference statistically non-significant). The overall 5-year recurrence rate was 23.4%. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of surgical treatment for colon cancer at our institution are equivalent to international sites. No difference was noted between left and right colon in terms of survival after CME. LIMITATIONS: Single center, retrospective, small sample size. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.