Does investigating an elevated C‐reactive protein detect infectious complications earlier after major colorectal surgery? A prospective clinical trial

Abstract Background C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a useful negative predictor of infectious complications following colorectal surgery. Whilst a CRP level below reported cut‐offs on postoperative day (POD) 3 to 5 can be reassuring, it can be difficult to interpret an elevated CRP above these cut‐offs. This study evaluated whether investigating an elevated CRP on POD 3–5 allows earlier detection of infectious complications. Methods Adult patients undergoing elective colonic or rectal resection were prospectively evaluated over two consecutive time periods. Group 1 had CRP levels measured on POD 3–5 with routine clinical care while Group 2 followed an algorithm where CRP levels above certain cut‐offs (170 mg/L on POD3, 125 mg/L on POD4, or increase of 50 units from POD 3–4 or POD 4–5) led to an abdominopelvic CT scan and septic screen. Complications were graded as per the Clavien‐Dindo classification and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Results 120 patients were included in Group 1 and 60 patients were included in Group 2. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regards to patient, operation or disease characteristics. Whilst the overall complication burden was significantly greater in Group 2 (CCI 29.6 versus 12.2, P < 0.001), there were no significant differences between the groups in the day of diagnosis of infectious complication, the overall incidence, or type of complications. Conclusion Early investigation of an elevated or increasing CRP on POD 3–5 following elective major colorectal surgery did not allow earlier detection of infectious complications.