Preoperative nutrition therapy in people undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Poor preoperative nutritional status has been consistently linked to an increase in postoperative complications and worse surgical outcomes. We updated a review first published in 2012. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of preoperative nutritional therapy compared to usual care in people undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases and two trial registries on 28 March 2023. We searched reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of people undergoing gastrointestinal surgery and receiving preoperative nutritional therapy, including parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition or oral nutrition supplements, compared to usual care. We only included nutritional therapy that contained macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) and micronutrients, and excluded studies that evaluated single nutrients. We included studies regardless of the nutritional status of participants, that is, well-nourished participants, participants at risk of malnutrition, or mixed populations. We excluded studies in people undergoing pancreatic and liver surgery. Our primary outcomes were non-infectious complications, infectious complications and length of hospital stay. Our secondary outcomes were nutritional aspects, quality of life, change in macronutrient intake, biochemical parameters, 30-day perioperative mortality and adverse effects. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodology. We assessed risk of bias using the RoB 1 tool and applied the GRADE criteria to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included 16 RCTs reporting 19 comparisons (2164 participants). Seven studies were new for this update. Participants' ages ranged from 21 to 79 years, and 62% were men. Three RCTs used parenteral nutrition, two used enteral nutrition, eight used immune-enhancing nutrition and six used standard oral nutrition supplements. All studies included mixed groups of well-nourished and malnourished participants; they used different methods to identify malnutrition and reported this in different ways. Not all the included studies were conducted within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme, which is now current clinical practice in most hospitals undertaking GI surgery. We were concerned about risk of bias in all the studies and 14 studies were at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding. We are uncertain if parenteral nutrition has any effect on the number of participants who had a non-infectious complication (risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36 to 1.02; 3 RCTs, 260 participants; very low-certainty evidence); infectious complication (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.80; 3 RCTs, 260 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or length of hospital stay (mean difference (MD) 5.49 days, 95% CI 0.02 to 10.96; 2 RCTs, 135 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the enteral nutrition studies reported non-infectious complications as an outcome. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of enteral nutrition on the number of participants with infectious complications after surgery (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.38; 2 RCTs, 126 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or length of hospital stay (MD 5.10 days, 95% CI -1.03 to 11.23; 2 RCTs, 126 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Immune-enhancing nutrition compared to controls may result in little to no effect on the number of participants experiencing a non-infectious complication (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.00; 8 RCTs, 1020 participants; low-certainty evidence), infectious complications (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.04; 7 RCTs, 925 participants; low-certainty evidence) or length of hospital stay (MD -1.22 days, 95% CI -2.80 to 0.35; 6 RCTs, 688 participants; low-certainty evidence). Standard oral nutrition supplements may result in little to no effect on number of participants with a non-infectious complication (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.20; 5 RCTs, 473 participants; low-certainty evidence) or the length of hospital stay (MD -0.65 days, 95% CI -2.33 to 1.03; 3 RCTs, 299 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of oral nutrition supplements on the number of participants with an infectious complication (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.27; 5 RCTs, 473 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Sensitivity analysis based on malnourished and weight-losing participants found oral nutrition supplements may result in a slight reduction in infections (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.85; 2 RCTs, 184 participants). Studies reported some secondary outcomes, but not consistently. Complications associated with central venous catheters occurred in RCTs involving parenteral nutrition. Adverse events in the enteral nutrition, immune-enhancing nutrition and standard oral nutrition supplements RCTs included nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to determine if parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition, immune-enhancing nutrition or standard oral nutrition supplements have any effect on the clinical outcomes due to very low-certainty evidence. There is some evidence that standard oral nutrition supplements may have no effect on complications. Sensitivity analysis showed standard oral nutrition supplements probably reduced infections in weight-losing or malnourished participants. Further high-quality multicentre research considering the ERAS programme is required and further research in low- and middle-income countries is needed.

Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy in the oldest old is safe: the race is run.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) is considered to be the gold standard for managing rectal prolapse. Nevertheless, concerns have been expressed about the use of this procedure in elderly patients. The aim of the current study was to examine the perioperative safety of primary LVMR operations in the oldest old in comparison to younger individuals and to assess our hospital policy of offering LVMR to all patients, regardless of age and morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective study analysed demographic information, operation notes, meshes utilised, operation times, lengths of hospital stay (LOS) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores of patients who underwent LVMR at Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital between 2012 and 2023. RESULTS: Eighty-seven female patients underwent LVMR. Nineteen patients were 80 years of age or older (OLD group); the remaining 65 patients were under the age of 80 (YOUNG group). The difference between the groups in terms of age was statistically significant. ASA scores were not significantly different. No mortality was observed. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of LOS, operation time or morbidity. Moreover, the postoperative morbidity profile was excellent in both groups. CONCLUSION: LVMR seems to be a safe operation for the "oldest old" patients with comorbidity, despite a single-centre, retrospective trial with limited follow-up. The present study suggests abandoning the dogma that "frail patients with rectal prolapse are not suitable for laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy."

Preliminary comparative study of lower extremity pressure measurements under the conditions using former models and new lithotomy stirrups in rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the use of new lithotomy stirrups-2 on the pressure dispersal on lower limbs, which may lead to the prevention of well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which are the most commonly associated adverse events with laparoscopic and robot-assisted rectal surgery. METHODS: A total of 30 healthy participants were included in this study. The pressure (mmHg) applied on various lower limb muscles when using conventional lithotomy stirrups-1 and new type stirrups-2 was recorded in various lithotomy positions; 1) neutral position, 2) Trendelenburg position (15°) with a 0° right inferior tilt, and 3) Trendelenburg position (15°) with a 10° right inferior tilt. Using a special sensor pad named Palm Q®, and the average values were compared between two types of stirrups. RESULTS: The use of new lithotomy stirrups-2 significantly reduced the pressure applied on the lower limb muscles in various lithotomy positions compared with the use of lithotomy stirrups-1. The most pressured lower limb muscle when using both lithotomy stirrups was the central soleus muscle, which is the most common site for the development of WLCS and DVT. In addition, when using the conventional lithotomy stirrups-1, the pressure was predominantly applied to the proximal soleus muscle; however, when using lithotomy stirrups-2, the pressure was shifted to the more distal soleus muscle. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the new lithotomy stirrups-2 is useful in reducing the pressure load on leg muscles, especially on the proximal to central soleus, and may reduce the incidence of WLCS and DVT after rectal surgery performed in the lithotomy position. Further clinical studies are needed to determine whether the use of lithotomy stirrups-2 prevents these complications in various clinical settings.

The need for surgery in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with biologicals.

PURPOSE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in childhood often presents with a more extensive and more aggressive disease course than adult-onset disease. We aimed to evaluate if biological treatment started in childhood decreases the need for intestinal surgery over time. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study. All pediatric patients with IBD initiated to biological therapy at the Children's Hospital, were included in the study and followed up to the first surgical procedure or re-operation in their adulthood or until 31.12.2021 when ≥ 18 of age. Data were collected from the pediatric registry of IBD patients with biologicals and medical charts. RESULTS: A total of 207 pediatric IBD patients were identified [150 with Crohn´s disease (CD), 31 with ulcerative colitis (UC), 26 with IBD unclassified (IBDU)] of which 32.9% (n = 68; CD 49, UC 13, IBDU 6) underwent intestinal surgery. At the end of a median follow-up of 9.0 years (range 2.0-25.9), patients reached a median age of 21.4 years (range 18-36). Patients who had intestinal surgery in childhood were more likely to have IBD-related surgery also in early adulthood. The duration of the disease at induction of the first biological treatment emerged as the only risk factor, with a longer duration in the surgical group than in patients with no surgery. CONCLUSION: Despite initiation of biological treatment, the risk of intestinal surgery remains high in pediatric IBD patients and often the need for surgery emerges after the transition to adult IBD clinics.

The effect of preoperative mechanical bowel preparation in paediatric bowel surgery on postoperative wound related complications: A meta-analysis.

Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP), a routine nursing procedure before paediatric bowel surgery, is widely should in clinical practice, but its necessity remains controversial. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effect of preoperative MBP in paediatric bowel surgery on postoperative wound-related complications in order to analyse the clinical application value of MBP in paediatric bowel surgery. As of November 2023, we searched four online databases: the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two investigators screened the collected studies against inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ROBINS-I was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Using RevMan5.3, a meta-analysis of the collected data was performed, and a fixed-effect model or a random-effect model was used to analyse OR, 95% CI, SMD, and MD. A total of 11 studies with 2556 patients were included. Most of studies had moderate-to-severe quality bias. The results of meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications related to postoperative infections in children with MBP before bowel surgery versus those with No MBP, wound infection (OR 1.11, 95% CI:0.76 ~ 1.61, p = 0.59, I2 = 5%), intra-abdominal infection (OR 1.26, 95% CI:0.58 ~ 2.77, p = 0.56, I2 = 9%). There was no significant difference in the risk of postoperative bowel anastomotic leak (OR 1.07, 95% CI:0.68 ~ 1.68, p = 0.78, I2 = 12%), and anastomotic dehiscence (OR 1.67, 95% CI:0.13 ~ 22.20, p = 0.70, I2 = 73%). Patients' intestinal obstruction did not show an advantage of undergoing MBP preoperatively, with an incidence of intestinal obstruction (OR 1.95, 95% CI:0.55 ~ 6.93, p = 0.30, I2 = 0%). Based on existing evidence that preoperative MBP in paediatric bowel surgery did not reduce the risk of postoperative wound complications, we cautiously assume that MBP before surgery is unnecessary for children undergoing elective bowel surgery. However, due to the limited number of study participants selected for this study and the overall low quality of evidence, the results need to be interpreted with caution. It is suggested that more high quality, large-sample, multicenter clinical trials are required to validate our findings.

Association of county-level food deserts and food swamps on postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although malnutrition has been linked to worse healthcare outcomes, the broader context of food environments has not been examined relative to surgical outcomes. We sought to define the impact of food environment on postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for CRC between 2014 and 2020 were identified from the Medicare database. Patient-level data were linked to the United States Department of Agriculture data on food environment. Multivariable regression was used to examine the association between food environment and the likelihood of achieving a textbook outcome (TO). TO was defined as the absence of an extended length of stay (≥75th percentile), postoperative complications, readmission, and mortality within 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 260,813 patients from 3017 counties were included in the study. Patients from unhealthy food environments were more likely to be Black, have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, and reside in areas with higher social vulnerability (all P < .01). Patients residing in unhealthy food environments were less likely to achieve a TO than that of patients residing in the healthiest food environments (food swamp: 48.8% vs 52.4%; food desert: 47.9% vs 53.7%; P < .05). On multivariable analysis, individuals residing in the unhealthy food environments had lower odds of achieving a TO than those of patients living in the healthiest food environments (food swamp: OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83-0.90; food desert: OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.76-0.82); P < .05). CONCLUSION: The surrounding food environment of patients may serve as a modifiable sociodemographic risk factor that contributes to disparities in postoperative CRC outcomes.

Effect of previous abdominal surgery on robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: The effect of previous abdominal surgery (PAS) in laparoscopic surgery is well known and significantly adds to longer hospital length of stay (LOS), postoperative ileus, and inadvertent enterotomies. However, little evidence exists in patients with PAS undergoing robotic-assisted (RA) rectal surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing RA surgery for rectal cancer were reviewed. Patients with PAS were divided into minor and major PAS groups, defined as surgery involving >1 quadrant. The primary outcome was the risk of conversion to open surgery. RESULTS: A total of 750 patients were included, 531 in the no-PAS (NPAS) group, 31 in the major PAS group, and 188 in the minor PAS group. Patients in the major PAS group had significantly longer hospital LOS (P < .001) and lower adherence to enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs; P = .004). The conversion rates to open surgery were similar: 3.4% in the NPAS group, 5.9% in the minor PAS group, and 9.7% in the major PAS group (P = .113). Estimated blood loss (EBL; P = .961), operative times (OTs; P = .062), complication rates (P = .162), 30-day readmission (P = .691), and 30-day mortality (P = .494) were similar. Of note, 53 patients underwent lysis of adhesions (LOA). On multivariate analysis, EBL >500 mL and LOA significantly influenced conversion to open surgery. EBL >500 mL, age >65 years, conversion to open surgery, and prolonged OT were risk factors for prolonged LOS, whereas adherence to ERPs was a protector. CONCLUSION: PAS did not seem to affect the outcomes in RA rectal surgery. Given this finding, the robotic approach may ultimately provide patients with PAS with similar risk to patients without PAS.

Effect of probiotics and synbiotics on complications of wound infection after colorectal surgery: A meta-analysis.

Wound infection is a serious complication that impacts the prognosis of patients after colorectal surgery (CS). Probiotics and synbiotics (Pro and Syn) are live bacteria that produce bacteriostatic agents in the intestinal system and have a positive effect on postoperative wound infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Pro and Syn on complications of wound infection after CS. In November 2023, we searched relevant clinical trial reports from Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases and screened the retrieved reports, extracted data, and finally analysed the data by using RevMan 5.3. A total of 12 studies with 1567 patients were included in the study. Pro and Syn significantly reduced total infection (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35, 0.56; p < 0.00001), surgical incision site infection (SSI) (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45, 0.81; p = 0.002), pneumonia (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25, 0.72; p = 0.001), urinary tract infection (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.14, 0.56; p = 0.0003), and Pro and Syn did not reduce anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.50, 1.41; p = 0.51). Pro and Syn can reduce postoperative wound infections in patients with colorectal cancer, which benefits patients' postoperative recovery.

[State of the Art Rectal Surgery]. / State of the Art Rektumchirurgie.

The multimodal treatment of rectal cancer has differentiated considerably over the last decade depending on the characteristics of the tumor and the patient's circumstances. Surgery continues to be an important pillar of therapy, the quality of which is of prognostic relevance for affected patients. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the indications for the various surgical procedures, current developments in perioperative management and the timing of surgery.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and fat malabsorption related to pancreatectomy and other gastrointestinal surgery: A narrative review.

Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients with tumors of the pancreas. There are a number of well-recognized complications that account for the significant morbidity associated with the operation, including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Patients with pancreatic cancer commonly have evidence of EPI prior to surgery, and this is exacerbated by an operation, the extent of the insult being dependent on the indication for surgery and the operation performed. There are accumulating data to demonstrate that treatment of EPI with pancreatic enzyme replacement (PERT) enhances clinical outcomes after surgery by reducing critical complications; this in turn may enhance oncological outcomes. Data would indicate that quality of life (QoL) is also improved after surgery when enzymes are prescribed. To date, many surgeons and clinicians have not appreciated the need for PERT or the benefits it may bring to their patients; therefore, education of clinicians remains a significant opportunity. In turn, patient education about consumption of the correct dose of enzymes at the appropriate time is key to an optimal outcome. In addition, because of the complex nature of the regulation of pancreatic exocrine function, there is evidence to support the presence of EPI following operations performed on other gastrointestinal (GI) organs, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The aim of this review is to document the existing published evidence in relation to EPI and its treatment with PERT following GI surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in the Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The efficacy and safety of Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM), a current method in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), have been demonstrated in a limited number of studies and case reports. This study aimed to report our experience with the Z-POEM method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with ZD who were treated with Z-POEM between January 2019 and March 2023 and had a followup period of at least 3 months were included in the study. Our primary endpoint was clinical success. A Kothari-Haber score (KHS) of 2 or less at 1 month postoperatively was defined as clinical success. Our secondary endpoints were adverse events and recurrence rates. RESULTS: In total, 20 patients (males, 65%; mean age, 63 ± 14.4 years) were treated with Z-POEM. The mean ZD septum length was 33.7 (±11.04) mm. The technical success rate was 100% (20/20), and the clinical success rate was 95% (19/20). In 1 case with a large ZD (septum length of 60 mm), the mucosal septum, which was thought to cause partial persistence of symptoms, was treated by endoscopic septotomy. The mean KHS decreased significantly after Z-POEM (preoperative KHS: 7.3 and postoperative KHS: 0.15, P < .0001). The median follow-up period was 10 months (interquartile range, 3-39). No recurrence was observed in any case. Intraprocedural mild subcutaneous emphysema was observed in 4 (20%) cases. Emphysema regressed spontaneously in the postoperative period without any treatment. CONCLUSION: Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy is a successful and reliable method in the treatment of ZD, with low recurrence rates.

[Significance of Colorectal Cancer Resection for the Elderly].

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients requiring surgical treatment is increasing in Japan, and while surgical treatment is expected to be effective even in the very elderly, there is a lack of evidence for the safety and efficacy of surgical resection due to problems with perioperative management and operative tolerance. We therefore retrospectively examined the short-term and long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery for the very elderly at our hospital. SUBJECTS: The study included 14 cases of colorectal cancer in the very elderly who underwent radical resection at our hospital between January 2010 and March 2020. RESULTS: The mean age was 92 years, PS; 1/2=8/6, ASA-PS; 2/3/4=8/4/2, primary site was C/A/T/S/R= 2/5/2/2/3, pStage; 1/2/3=1/9/4, and only 1 case of decompression with ileus tube due to obstructive symptoms was treated before surgery. All patients underwent radical surgery. Median blood loss was 61 mL, median operation time was 190.5 min, and median postoperative hospital stay was 16 days. 5 patients had CD≥2 complications. All patients did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, and recurrence in was observed 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of very elderly patients seems to be acceptable under appropriate patient selection.

Effect of colorectal cancer screening on colorectal cancer surgery outcomes: nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: National colorectal cancer screening commenced in Denmark in 2014. Little is known about the effects of organized colorectal cancer screening on intraoperative and postoperative events. The aim of this nationwide cohort study was to evaluate the difference in intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between patients with screen-detected colorectal cancer and non-screen-detected colorectal cancer within the first 90 days after surgery. METHODS: National register data were collected for Danish residents diagnosed with colorectal cancer between January 2014 and March 2018. Outcomes for the two cohorts were reported as relative risk or weighted mean difference. Intraoperative outcomes were blood loss, blood transfusion, tumour perforation, and organ lesion. Postoperative outcomes were complications (surgical and non-surgical) and 90-day mortality. Discrete data estimates were calculated from a general linear model. Analyses were adjusted for potential healthy user bias with respect to sex, age, location of the cancer (colon/rectum), and Charlson co-morbidity index. RESULTS: In total, 10 606 patients were included. Compared with patients in the non-screen-detected colorectal cancer group (4497 patients), patients in the screen-detected colorectal cancer group (6109 patients) had reduced intraoperative blood loss (-52 mL, 95% c.i. -67 to -37, P < 0.001), a shorter duration of hospitalization (-2.3 days, 95% c.i. -2.8 to -1.8, P < 0.001), and reduced rates of intraoperative organ lesion (0.76, 95% c.i. 0.59 to 0.99, P = 0.042), surgical complications (0.79, 95% c.i. 0.73 to 0.87, P < 0.001), non-surgical complications (0.68, 95% c.i. 0.60 to 0.78, P < 0.001), and 90-day mortality (0.29, 95% c.i. 0.21 to 0.39, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In comparison with non-screen-detected colorectal cancer, surgery for screen-detected colorectal cancer remains associated with improvement in several intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes after considering healthy user bias.

Calidad asistencial y seguimiento de los pacientes operados por cáncer colorrectal en un Hospital de Paysandú, Uruguay / Quality of care and follow-up of patients operated on forcolorectal cancer at the Paysandú Hospital, Uruguay

Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es la segunda causa de muerte dentro de las enfermedades neoplásicas. El pronóstico individual está signado por el estadio de la enfermedad al momento del diagnóstico y la posibilidad de realizar un tratamiento curativo. Este también depende de la estratificación post quirúrgica y de la aparición de complicaciones ulteriores. El objetivo del seguimiento es diagnosticar la recidiva en un estadio potencialmente curable y detectar otros cánceres primarios. Objetivo: realizar una valoración de la calidad de la cirugía colorrectal y el seguimiento de los pacientes operados de CCR en nuestro hospital. Diseño: estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo. Material y métodos: se analizaron todos los pacientes con CCR operados en el servicio de cirugía del Hospital de Paysandú entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2020. Se describen diversas variables que influyen en la calidad quirúrgica y se analizan las relacionadas al seguimiento post operatorio dividiendo a los pacientes en 3 grupos, seguimiento completo, perdidos y sin datos de seguimiento. Resultados: se incluyeron 39 pacientes, con una edad media de 68 años. El 28% se diagnosticaron en estadio IV, con porcentajes bajos en estadios tempranos. Hubo 57% de cirugías de urgencia y 43% electivas. La causa más frecuente de urgencia fue la oclusión intestinal (36,6%). La tasa de dehiscencia anastomótica fue 16,6% y la de mortalidad 15,3%. Solo el 33% de los pacientes tuvieron seguimiento completo. Conclusión: existe un déficit en la atención y el seguimiento de los pacientes operados por CCR en nuestro hospital. Se impone la creación de un equipo específico en el área de coloproctología, así como un protocolo de seguimiento unificado para mejorar estos resultados. (AU)

Introduction: colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of death among neoplastic diseases. The individual prognosis is determined by the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and the possibility of curative treatment. This also depends on the postsurgical stratification and the appearance of subsequent complications. The goal of follow-up is to diagnose recurrence at a potentially curable stage and detect other primary cancers. Objective: to carry out an evaluation of the quality of colorectal surgery and the follow-up of patients operated on for CRC in our hospital. Design: descriptive, retrospective observational study. Material and methods: all patients with CRC operated on in the surgery service of the Paysandú Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020 were analyzed. Variables that influence surgical quality are described and those related to postoperative follow-up are analyzed by dividing patients in 3 groups, complete follow-up, lost to follow-up and without follow-up data. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included, with a mean age of 68 years. Twenty-eight percent were diagnosed in stage IV, with low percentages in early stages. There were 57% emergency procedures and 43% elective proceduress. The most common cause of emergency was intestinal obstruction (36.6%). The anastomotic dehiscence rate was 16.6% and the mortality rate was 15.3%. Only 33% of patients had complete follow-up. Conclusion: there is a deficit in the care and follow-up of patients undergoing CRC surgery in our hospital. The creation of a specific team in the area of coloproctology is required, as well as a unified monitoring protocol to improve these results. (AU)