Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In Egypt, a high rate was among adults less than 40 years of age.
Aim of the study: This study aimed to determine the age, gender distribution and emergency presentation in Egyptian patients with colorectal cancer, as seen in Damanhour Teaching Hospital.
Patients and methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Damanhour Teaching Hospital. Seventy-four patients who presented in the period from January 2020 to January 2024 were included. Data were collected from their hospital records.
Results: 33.8% of the study population (n=74) were below the age of 40 years, and 14.8% were below 30 years. The male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Intestinal obstruction was the most common cause of emergency presentation (73.9%). For emergency operations, the morbidity was 47.8% and mortality was 26.1%. For elective operations both morbidity and mortality were lower than in emergency situation 37.3% and 7.8% respectively. The tumour location was mainly in the left colon (60.8%), whereas obstruction was the predominant reason for acute presentation (73.9%) followed by perforation. Emergency presentation was higher among females 56.5% vs 41.2% in elective cases. Mortality was higher among females in emergency operations especially those above 70 years.
Conclusion: Colorectal cancer was found in young age groups. Emergency presentation was high and was mainly intestinal obstruction. Emergency surgery for colorectal carcinoma is related to higher postoperative morbidity and mortality rates.