Meta-analysis of risk factors for postoperative pulmonary infection in patients with colorectal cancer after radiotherapy

Background: Following surgery, lung infections are a frequent side effect that colorectal cancer patients experience and can be fatal. A meta-analysis was carried out to elucidate the risk variables for postoperative lung infection in patients with colorectal cancer. This information can help direct treatment and prevention strategies in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: Searches in PubMed, PMC, and other databases yielded clinical trials pertaining to aspects that increase the likelihood of postoperative lung infection in colorectal cancer patients. According to the abstract, key words, etc., literature screening. The Rev Man 5.4.1 was utilised to carry out a meta-analysis of the publications that fulfilled the grade requirements. Results: Finally, 10 studies were included, including 5165 patients with colorectal cancer, and the differences between infected and non-infected patients were analyzed. The results indicate that there were no risk factors for postoperative pulmonary infection in colorectal cancer patients based on age (95%CI (-23.16, 15.39), P = 0.69), TNM grade (95%CI (-0.06, 0.11), P = 0.56), operation time (95%CI (-0.02, 0.27), I2=89%, P=0.09), or COPD (95%CI (-0.01, 0.61), I2=98%, P=0.06). Factors that increase the likelihood of postoperative pulmonary infection in colorectal cancer patients include gender (95%CI [0.01,0.09]; P = 0.01), body mass index (95%CI [0.00,0.22]; P=0.04), surgical approach (95%CI [0.01,0.42]; P = 0.04), and a history of smoking (95%CI [0.06,0.34]; P=0.006). Conclusion: Clinical treatment and rehabilitation for colorectal cancer patients should take into account the multiple risk factors for lung infection following surgery, including gender, body mass index (BMI), surgical technique, and smoking history.