Background: It is now clear that there is a significant association between the magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response and postoperative complications (Adamina et al. Br J Surg 2015;102(6):590-8). The present study examined the impact of preoperative steroids on the postoperative systemic inflammatory response and complications, following elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Methods: The administration of dexamethasone at induction of anaesthesia was prospectively audited from a cohort of patients who underwent elective, potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer at a single centre between 2008 and 2013. Results: 286 patients were included, of which the majority were male (161, 57%), over 65 (190, 66%) with colonic (183, 64%) and node negative disease (192, 67%). 114 (40%) received dexamethasone at induction of anaesthesia. There was a significant association (Table 1) between preoperative dexamethasone administration and the proportion of patients breaching established CRP thresholds on postoperative days 2 (190mg/L, 14% vs. 50%, p<0.001), and 3 (170mg/L, 27% vs. 49%, p<0.001) but not 4 (145mg/L, 50% vs. 36%, p=0.658). There was no significant association between preoperative dexamethasone and postoperative complications. Conclusions: The present study suggests that the systemic inflammatory response following surgery for colorectal cancer may be attenuated by preoperative steroids. It remains to be determined whether this will lead to a reduction in postoperative complications.

POD, postoperative day; CRP, C-reactive protein.