Colorectal carcinoma: presentation and management in a general hospital

Over a five year period (1981-1986), 44 consecutive patients who presented with colorectal carcinoma were studied prospectively. Forty one (93%) patients underwent surgery, 11 as an emergency. The operative mortality was 7.3% and the wound infection rate was 12.2%. Of the original 44 patients only 18 (41%) are still alive at the end of the study period. The presentation, treatment and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer in a general hospital are discussed.