Emergency presentation of colorectal cancer in Northwestern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives:To investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of emergency presentation of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in Tabuk Region of Saudi Arabia.Methods:This is a retrospective, descriptive hospital-based study. All cases with CRC that presented to the main referral hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia between 2010 and 2015 were retrieved. The relevant hospitals are: King Salman Military Hospital, King Khalid Hospital, and King Fahad Hospital.Results:Seventy-three patients were included in the study. Twenty-two patients presented emergency constituting 30.6% of the total. Emergency CRC presentation was more common in elderly patients (81.8%), but a greater proportion of young patients was also affected (40% versus 29% in elderly patients). The disease is more common in females (37%) than males (26.7%) and intestinal obstruction was the sole form of presentation. Patients presenting emergency had more right-sided (61.9%) than left-sided tumors (30.2%). Advanced presentation with metastasis was noted in 40% of the patients presenting acutely.Conclusion:Emergency CRC presentation is common in the Tabuk region. Patients tend to present at an advanced stage, which necessitates an endeavor to detect the disease in its early stages, possibly through initiation of health education programs and suitable screening projects.

Patterns and grades of presentation of colon cancer in Northern Saudi Arabia

“…However, studies from Saudi Arabia have shown that more than 70% of cases of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at the late stages of the diseases, indicating the ineffectiveness of the screening and other control measures in the country [ 20 , 21 ]. A study from North West Saudi Arabia has shown that most of the patients with CRC presented with intestinal obstruction, and there were more younger patients than older patients, and females were more frequent than males, which is in line with the findings of the present study [ 22 ]. These findings necessitate urgent intervention of national policies to detect small cancers and precancer by implementing sustainable screening programs to identify patients at risk.…”

The role of laparoscopy in emergency colorectal surgery

“…This is consistent with the findings of a recent study showing that the emergency presentation of CRC is more common in elderly patients. 21 Similar to a large study by Keller et al, 17 colorectal surgeons were the only significant variable that predicted the increased likelihood of a patient undergoing the laparoscopic approach in emergency settings. Patients operated on by colorectal surgeons had an 83% increased chance of undergoing a laparoscopic approach compared to patients operated on by noncolorectal surgeons.…”

Histopathological Pattern of Colorectal Cancer in Relation to Age and Gender in Northern Saudi Arabia

“…Emergency CRC presentation is common in the Tabuk region. Patients tend to present at an advanced stage, which necessitates an endeavor to detect the disease in its early stages, possibly through initiation of health education programs and suitable screening projects [17]. Another study has reported that CRC in KSA is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with metastases and is accompanying with poor prognosis and short survival.…”