[Prognostic criteria and risk groups in colorectal cancer]

A normal CEA value turned out to be the most important prognostic factor on primary and secondary procedure because of colorectal carcinoma. Five-year-survival after first operation was 65% and 35% after second procedure in case of negative CEA-test. Early tumour stage (pT1-3N0M0), good tumour differentiation, location in colon ascendens and age between 40 and 60 years were further relevant variables of prognosis. The history after secondary procedure was dependent of the kind of symptoms at the time of recurrence, intensity of postoperative follow-up and the length of recurrence free interval.