Imaging features and correlation with short-term prognosis in laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. With the development of medical imaging technology, imaging features are playing an increasingly important role in the prognostic evaluation of CRC. Laparoscopic radical resection is a common surgical approach for treating CRC. However, research on the link between preoperative imaging and short-term prognosis in this context is limited. We hypothesized that specific preoperative imaging features can predict the short-term prognosis in patients undergoing laparoscopic CRC resection.

AIM

To investigate the imaging features of CRC and analyze their correlation with the short-term prognosis of laparoscopic radical resection.

METHODS

This retrospective study conducted at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shandong First Medical University included 122 patients diagnosed with CRC who underwent laparoscopic radical resection between January 2021 and February 2024. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and were diagnosed with CRC through pathological examination. MRI data and prognostic indicators were collected 30 days post-surgery. Logistic regression analysis identified imaging features linked to short-term prognosis, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value.

RESULTS

Among 122 patients, 22 had irregular, low-intensity tumors with adjacent high signals. In 55, tumors were surrounded by alternating signals in the muscle layer. In 32, tumors extended through the muscular layer and blurred boundaries with perienteric adipose tissue. Tumor signals appeared in the adjacent tissues in 13 patients with blurred gaps. Logistic regression revealed differences in longitudinal tumor length, axial tumor length, volume transfer constant, plasma volume fraction, and apparent diffusion coefficient among patients with varying prognostic results. ROC analysis indicated that the areas under the curve for these parameters were 0.648, 0.927, 0.821, 0.809, and 0.831, respectively. Sensitivity values were 0.643, 0.893, 0.607, 0.714, and 0.714, and specificity 0.702, 0.904, 0.883, 0.968, and 0.894 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The imaging features of CRC correlate with the short-term prognosis following laparoscopic radical resection. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical decision-making.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Imaging features; Laparoscopic radical resection; Short-term prognosis; Tumor signal; Prognostic indicators

Core Tip: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as a highly prevalent and deadly malignant tumor that affects many patients globally. This study analyzed preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and 30-day postoperative prognostic indicators by using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves. The key findings highlight the role of MRI in predicting short-term outcomes after laparoscopic radical resection, emphasizing the importance of imaging-derived indicators. These insights enhance the prognostic accuracy and guide tailored treatment approaches for patients with CRC.