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The prognosis of colorectal cancer depends on a multitude of factors that can be grouped into several categories: tumor-related factors, clinical factors, histopathological factors, and biological factors (oncogenetic and molecular). Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and affects both sexes equally. Approximately 40% of patients relapse after surgery with curative intent for rectal cancer in the form of distant metastases or local recurrences. Clinical factors are represented by: age, sex, complications, location of the primary tumor, symptoms and perioperative blood transfusions. Factors related to the primary tumor are classified according to tumor stage, tumor size, invasion of peritoneal serosa and adjacent organs, appearance of primary tumor, degree of obstruction of the rectal lumen, and resection margins that may influence residual tumor occurrence. Biochemical and genetic factors may mark the presence of tumor recurrence by increasing the CEA (embryonic carcinoma) marker. RAS mutations (KRAS and NRAS) are the most common oncogenetic mutations in cancer, and KRAS mutations are associated with more aggressive tumors, increased metastatic potential, and a poor prognosis. Predictive histopathological factors are: invasion of regional lymph nodes, degree of tumor differentiation, perineural, vascular and lymphatic invasion, budding phenomenon, peritumoral immune reaction and the evidence of tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer is a frequently encountered disease. In most countries, it represents the second leading cause of cancer death. The treatment with radical intent of this condition is surgical. Objective: Through this study, we want to update some data regarding the impact of nutrition and the preoperative mechanical bowel preparation on postoperative complications, in patients who need surgical treatment for colorectal cancer. Material and Method: Relevant articles in the field, contained in international databases were analysed, with no language exclusion, including clinical trials and meta-analyses performed between 1994 and 2015. Conclusions: Preoperative preparation is particularly important in the postoperative evolution of the patients with colorectal cancer and it is based on several main principles: nutritional support, antimicrobial treatment and mechanical bowel preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]