Original researchImpacts of peritoneal cancer index on the survival outcomes of patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis

•This is a retrospective study of 168 patients with CRPC.•Patients in low PCI groups had a lower major morbidity rate and a higher overall survival.•Early referral to specialist centre is necessary.

IntroductionPeritoneal cancer index (PCI) has been suggested to be the most important prognostic factors for the outcomes in colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRPC).MethodsThis was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 168 consecutive patients with CRPC following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC). Patients were divided into five groups according to their PCI.ResultsHospital mortality was 0%. Patients in low PCI groups had a significantly lower major morbidity rate, shorter intensive care unit and high dependency unit stay and higher overall survival (p=0.017, 0.001, 0.046, p<0.001 respectively).ConclusionCombined CRS with PIC can be safely performed to provide encouraging survival benefits for patients with CRPC. Our findings suggest that this approach is particularly beneficial for patients with low volume of disease. Early referral to specialist centre for evaluation is warranted for better survival outcomes.