Delay to elective colorectal cancer surgery and implications for survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The Covid-19 pandemic has delayed elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. The aim of this study was to see whether or not this may affect overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Method

A systematic review was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020189158). Medline, EMBASE and Scopus were interrogated. Patients aged over 18 years with a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer who received elective surgery as their primary treatment were included. Delay to elective surgery was defined as the period between CRC diagnosis and the day of surgery. Meta-analysis of the outcomes OS and DFS were conducted. Forest plots, funnel plots and tests of heterogeneity were produced. An estimated number needed to harm (NNH) was calculated for statisti

SUBMITTER: Whittaker TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8251304 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature