Data on 709 patients who had a resection for colorectal carcinoma at Concord Hospital between 1971 and 1980 were studied to determine the independent effects on survival of several patient characteristics and pathological variables using the Cox regression model. Clinicopathological stage had the strongest association. Other variables ranked according to their relative importance independent of stage were: histological grade, level of direct spread, the presence of venous invasion, age and sex of the patient and the presence of obstruction.

These results following conventional surgery may be useful when evaluating new techniques.

Carcinoma of the splenic flexure is uncommon and the diagnosis should be kept in mind, particularly in patients with recurring upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Resection is usually possible and operative complications are few. The site of the tumor does not affect long-term survival. Subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoid anastomosis would seem to be a safe method of treating patients with an obstructed carcinoma at that site.

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