SP3.6 - Do non-colorectal surgeons produce an inferior lymph node yield in emergency colorectal cancer resections?

Abstract Introduction Lymph node yield is a surrogate indicator of adequate resection and yields of 20 or more have been shown to be associated with better survival outcomes. There is controversy as to whether colorectal cancers should be operated on by non-colorectal surgeons in the emergency setting. This study explores whether there are differences in lymph node yield between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons in the context of emergency Hartmann's procedures performed for malignancy. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at a 3-site Trust in South East England between 2012 and 2022. Theatre and Info flex Cancer records were used to obtain patients who had undergone a Hartmann's procedure for malignancy and their operating surgeon. The histology reports were then reviewed and statistical analysis was undertaken. Results 346 patients were included in the study, in a 197:149 male-to-female ratio. The mean age was 73 (28-92 IQR). Histology confirmed malignancy in all the study participants. 11% (38/346) of the operations were conducted by non-colorectal surgeons (UGI, Breast, and Endocrine). The mean lymph node yield for the non-colorectal surgeons was 28 (24-33 IQR). The mean lymph node yield for colorectal surgeons was 29 (26-34 IQR). There was no statistical difference between the lymph node yield between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons (p=0.671) Conclusion The study concluded that adequate oncological colonic resections could be conducted safely by non-colorectal surgeons in emergency settings.