The British journal of surgery
-
Up to 9 per cent of patients who undergo resection for colorectal cancer develop metachronous cancers. There is no consensus on the detection and management of such cancers. ⋯ Preoperative colonoscopy and postoperative colonoscopic surveillance are essential in identifying patients at risk of metachronous colorectal cancer. A total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis should be considered for some patients, certainly for those with HNPCC.