Results of a rigorous follow-up system in colorectal cancer.

Results of a computer-aided follow-up programme for patients with colorectal cancer are analyzed. Between 1978 and 1987 1293 patients underwent this programme, the drop-out rate was 17%. 299 recurrences in 168 patients were discovered (40% local recurrence, 29% liver metastases and 31% others). Fifty-one per cent of patients with local recurrence and 47% with liver metastases were symptom free. Radical surgery could be performed in 50% of local recurrences and in 26% of liver metastases. The three year survival rate after radical surgery for recurrence was 35% for local recurrences and 33% for liver metastases, the five-year-survival rate 23% and 15%, respectively.