Abstract
Objective: To characterize transitional care needs (TCNs) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and examine their association with age and impact on overall survival (OS). Background: TCNs after cancer surgery represent additional burden for patients and are associated with higher short-term mortality. They are not wellcharacterized in CRC patients, particularly in the context of a growing elderly population, and their effect on long-term survival is unknown. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of CRC patients (N = 486) having curative surgery at a tertiary referral center (2002-2011) was conducted. Outcomes included TCNs (home health or nonhome destination at discharge) and OS. Patients were compared on the basis of age: young (<65 years), old (65-74 years), and oldest (≥75 years).Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association of age with TCNs, and OS was compared on the basis of TCNs and stage, using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: TCNs were required by 130 patients (27%). The oldest patients had highest TCNs (49%) compared with the other age groups (P < 0.01), with rehabilitation services as their primary TCNs (80%). After multivariate analysis, patients 75 years or older had significantly increased TCN risk (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-8.5). TCN was associated with worse OS for patients with early- and advanced stage CRC (P < 0.001). Conclusions: TCNs after CRC surgery are common and significantly increased in patients 75 years or older, represent an outcome of postoperative recovery, and are associated with worse long-term survival. Preoperative identification of higher risk populations should be used for patient counseling, advanced preoperative planning, and to implement strategies targeted at minimizing TCNs.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 695-701 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Annals of surgery |
Volume | 261 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Elderly
- Postoperative
- Surgery
- Survival
- Transitional care needs
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery