Surgery for perforated colorectal malignancy in an Asian population: an institution's experience over 5 years

Perforated colorectal malignancy is associated with numerous peri-operative complications and dismal long-term survival. The study aimed to review the outcome and factors predicting peri-operative complications and long-term survival of patients who underwent surgery for perforated colorectal malignancy.

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent operative intervention for perforated colorectal malignancy from February 2003 to April 2008 was performed. The severity of peritonitis was graded using the Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI).

Forty-five patients, median age 67 years (36-97 years), formed the study group. Sigmoid colon (37.8%) and cecum (28.9%) were the most common sites of perforation. Sixteen (35.6%) patients had stage IV disease, while 14 (31.1%) had severe peritoneal contamination (MPI >26). Hartmann's procedure and right hemicolectomy were performed most frequently in 17 (37.8%) and 15 (33.4%) patients, respectively. The mortality rate in our series was 17.8%, with another 26.7% requiring surgical intensive care unit care. The independent variables predicting worse perioperative complications were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score >or= 3 and MPI >26. Left-sided perforation was the only independent factor predicting stoma creation. The only factor predicting long-term survival was the stage of malignancy (p<0.001). The overall mean survival time for stage II, III, and IV disease were 63.7, 38.1, and 13.8 months, respectively.

Surgery for perforated colorectal malignancy is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Short-term outcome is determined by ASA score and severity of peritonitis, while long-term outcome is determined by staging of the cancer.