[Prognostic value of postoperative determination of CEA in carcinoma of the large intestine].

The C.E.A. level was routinely determined in the follow up of 133 patients who underwent surgery because of colorectal cancer. Preoperative levels of C.E.A. appear to be related to Dukes staging of the disease. Postoperative values of the marker were higher than normal in 36 patients, 91% of whom had recurrences; normal postoperative values were observed in 90 patients and only 21% of these eventually showed recurrences.