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Increased Caseload Volume is Associated With Better Oncologic Outcomes After Laparoscopic Resections for Colorectal
Cigdem Benlice1, Bilgi Baca, Sadiye Nur Firidin
1*Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University Departments of †Surgery §Pathology ∥Bioistatistics ¶Internal Medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical School ‡Department of Surgery, Maslak Acibadem Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Higher caseload volume in gastrointestinal surgeons performing colorectal cancer surgery is linked to better patient survival. This study highlights the importance of specialized practice for improved oncologic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Caseload volume is a potential factor influencing surgical outcomes.
- The impact of surgeon specialization on colorectal cancer resection outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how caseload volume affects outcomes in open and laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.
- To compare outcomes between gastrointestinal surgeons and general surgeons performing colorectal resections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 815 patients undergoing colorectal adenocarcinoma resection (1999-2011).
- Comparison of outcomes between two surgeon groups: gastrointestinal specialists (Group A) and general surgeons (Group B).
- Evaluation of histopathologic, oncologic, and survival data for 356 patients with >2 years follow-up.
Main Results:
- Colorectal procedures were a larger proportion of cases for Group A (33%) vs. Group B (19%).
- Laparoscopic surgery rates were higher in Group A (37%) compared to Group B (20%).
- Specialized practice (Group A) was independently associated with better overall survival (P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Increased caseload volume, particularly among specialized gastrointestinal surgeons, is associated with improved oncologic outcomes.
- Surgeon specialization and higher surgical volume positively impact survival rates in colorectal cancer patients.
- Practice patterns significantly influence survival in patients undergoing colorectal resection for nonmetastatic cancer.
