Multivariate analysis of morbidity and mortality from the initial surgical management of obstructing carcinoma of the colon.

Eighty consecutive patients presenting with complete large intestinal obstruction from primary carcinoma were evaluated. A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate perioperative morbidity and mortality. There were five deaths in the immediate postoperative period (30 days). Extensive and lesser complications occurred in eight and 11 patients, respectively. There were 25 lesions of the right colon, whereas in 55 patients, the lesion was located distal to the left branch of the middle colic artery. Females were more likely to present with obstructed carcinomas of the left colon than males. Patients with an obstruction of the left colon more frequently presented with dehydration than those with a tumor of the right colon (p less than 0.05). Most carcinomas of the right colon were resected, whereas lesions of the left colon were managed with diverting colostomy in 33 patients and by primary resection in 22. Thirteen patients with carcinomas of the left colon had an immediate anastomosis without mortality. Preoperative severe cardiopulmonary disease, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score and advanced carcinoma (Dukes' C or D) were statistically related to early hospital morbidity and mortality, while individual physiologic parameters, site of lesion or operation performed were not. Primary resection may be performed safely in selected patients. Multivariate assessment and clinical staging may allow for appropriate patient selection and improve immediate outcome.