Modifiable factors that influence colorectal cancer lymph nodes sampling and examination
4047 Background: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in the United States. The single most important prognostic factor is lymph node involvement. Multiple guidelines recommend a minimum of 12 nodes should be sampled in order to insure accurate staging and treatment. However this standard of care requirement is not always achieved. The objective of this study is to identify potential modifiable factors that may explain this inadequacy between the optimal approach and routine practice. Methods: The medical charts of all patients treated for colorectal cancer stage I-III between 1999–2007 at Albert Einstein Medical Center were reviewed. The association between multiple variables and the presence of ≥12 lymph nodes reported were examined using logistic regression models. Results: A total of 337 patients were included; 173 (51%) had ≥12 lymph nodes retrieved with a mean of 12.7 (SD±7.6). Demographic characteristics: 78% older than 60 years old; 161 patients (47.8%) male; white (27%), black (67%) and other race (6%). Using a univariate analysis the following variables were statistically associated with ≥12 lymph nodes reported: Colon size (20.6±14.7 vs. 29.9±23.1 cm, P<.001); Mesocolon thickness (3.8±0.9 vs. 4.2±0.9 cm, P<.001); Tumor size (4.14±2.3 vs. 4.6±2.1, P=.03); Site of tumor (Right vs. Left, P<.001); Pathologist (P=.06); Pathologist's Assistant (P=.006); Type of surgery (Right or Sub-Total Colectomy vs. Others, P<.001), Individual Surgeon (P=.009). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex and race, are presented in the Table . Conclusions: This studied showed that multiple factors influence the number of lymph nodes sampled. The role of the surgeon, the pathologist and specially the pathologist's assistant are potentially improvable factors with appropriate education. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.