Clinical Value of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting Postoperative Complications and Prognosis in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Surgical Treatment

• Published in: Turkish journal of colorectal disease 2020-03, Vol.30 (1), p.49-56
• Main Authors: Yalav, Orçun, Topal, Uğur, Ünal, Ayşe Gizem, Eray, İsmail Cem, Rencüzoğulları, Ahmet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Colorectal cancer; Lymphocytes; Medical prognosis; Neutrophils; Tıp
• ISSN: 2536-4898; 2536-4901
• DOI: 10.4274/tjcd.galenos.2020.2019-11-5

Aim: Recently, the preoperative systemic inflammatory response has been reported to be a prognostic factor in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In this context, the preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a useful predictor of prognosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical value and prognostic significance of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgical treatment for colorectal cancer. Method: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for colorectal cancer between 2015-2019 were included in the study. group 1 (Low NLR) and group 2 (High NLR) were formed. Demographic and clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative results, and mean survival were compared. The value of NLR in predicting postoperative complications at the determined cut-off value was examined. Results: Patients were divided into two groups according to the cut-off value of 2.08. Group 1 consisted of 56 patients, and group 2 consisted of 223 patients. Male sex was dominant in both groups (60% vs 64%, p=0.349), while patients in group 2 received more neoadjuvant treatment (29.1% vs 12.5%, p=0.007). Intraoperative complication rates were similar (1.8% vs 4%, p=0.369), pathological grade (p=0.031), and stage (p=0.113) were similar. Postoperative complications were more common in group 2 (24.7% vs 10.7%, p=0.015). Total survival was shorter in group 2 (46 months vs. 52 months, p=0.025). At the determined cutoff value, NLR predicted postoperative complications with 22.94% specificity and 90.6% sensitivity. Conclusion: High NLR was associated with postoperative complications and survival. Although it has a prognostic value, its value in predicting postoperative complications is limited and cannot be used alone.