Sphincter-saving resection for all rectal carcinomas: the end of the 2-cm distal rule

OBJECTIVE: To assess oncologic outcome of patients treated by conservative radical surgery for tumors below 5 cm from the anal verge. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Standard surgical treatment of low rectal cancer below 5 cm from the anal verge is abdominoperineal resection. METHODS: From 1990 to 2003, patients with a nonfixed rectal carcinoma at 4.5 cm or less from the anal verge and without external sphincter infiltration underwent conservative surgery. Surgery included total mesorectal excision with intersphincteric resection, that is, removal of the internal sphincter, to achieve adequate distal margin. Patients with T3 disease or internal sphincter infiltration received preoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients with a tumor at 3 (range 1.5-4.5) cm from the anal verge underwent conservative surgery. There was no mortality and morbidity was 27%. The rate of complete microscopic resection (R0) was 89%, with 98% negative distal margin and 89% negative circumferential margin. In 58 patients with a follow-up of more than 24 months, the rate of local recurrence was 2% and the 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 81% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of intersphincteric resection permits us to achieve conservative surgery in patients with a tumor close to or in the anal canal without compromising local control and survival. Tumor distance from the anal verge is no longer a limit for sphincter-saving resection.     

Conservative treatment of adenocarcinomas of the anorectal junction by preoperative radiotherapy and intersphincteral resection

AIM: Adenocarcinomas of the anorectal junction, especially T3 lesions, are usually treated by abdominoperineal resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate oncologic and functional results following conservative radiosurgical treatment of cancers of the anorectal junction. METHODS: From 1990 to 1999, among 395 patients with rectal carcinoma, 31 had sphincter-saving resection for a tumour located between 2 to 4.5 cm (mean 3.6) from the anal verge. There were 16 men and 15 women, mean age 62 years (range 30-86). There were 5 T2, 23 T3 and 3 T4 tumours; 17 were N1 and 3 were M1. Preoperative radiotherapy was performed in 26 patients (dose: 46 Gy, range: 36-54), with concomitant chemotherapy in 14 cases. Intersphincteric resection was performed six weeks after neoadjuvant treatment. Coloanal anastomoses were associated with a colonic pouch in 22 cases and with a protecting stoma in all cases. RESULTS: There was no postoperative mortality. Seven complications occurred: 3 anastomotic fistulas, 3 pelvic haemorrhages and 1 acute pancreatitis. Three patients had a definitive stoma. After preoperative radiotherapy, down-staging (pT0-2 N0) occurred in 46% of cases (12/26). Distal margin was 2.2 cm (range: 1-3) and was microscopically safe in all cases. Lateral margin was safe (> or = 1 mm) in 97% of cases. With a mean follow-up of 36 months, no local recurrence was suspected. Twenty-six patients (84%) were alive, 23 free of disease. Half of the patients had perfect continence, whereas the other half had occasional minor soiling. Functional results were better in patients with a colonic pouch. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment of carcinomas of the anorectal junction is possible without compromising pelvic control and patient survival. Pelvic control was probably achieved by using preoperative radiotherapy with intersphincteric resection, ensuring safe distal and lateral margins.     

肛门内括约肌切除术治疗T1～2期超低位直肠癌的疗效评价

目的评价在全直肠系膜切除术（TME）的基础上采取肛门内括约肌切除术（ISR）治疗T1和T2期超低位直肠癌患者的临床疗效和生存结果。方法对2000年3月至2007年3月间实施ISR的40例超低位直肠癌患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果40例患者术前的肿瘤分期为T1-2N0-1M0。实施完全ISR者5例,部分ISR者23例,改良的部分ISR（保留部分齿状线）12例。术后3例患者出现并发症,其中吻合口瘘1例,伤口感染2例：无围手术期死亡。全组术后5年生存率97％,5年无瘤生存率86％。术后12个月时,接受部分ISR者和改良的部分ISR者的肛门功能优于完全ISR者（分别P=0．008和P=0．004）;接受预防性造口患者的肛门功能优于未接受造口者（P=0．043）。结论ISR选择性治疗超低位直肠癌安全可行。在保证根治的前提下尽可能保留齿状线和部分内括约肌以及行预防性造口可能有助于改善术后肛门功能。     

Concept de conservation sphinct��rienne dans la chirurgie du bas et du moyen rectum

Objective

To assess oncologic outcome of patients treated by conservative radical surgery for tumors below 5 cm from the anal verge.

Summary background data

Standard surgical treatment of low rectal cancer below 5 cm from the anal verge is abdominoperineal resection.

Methods

From 1990 to 2003, patients with a nonfixed rectal carcinoma at 4.5 cm or less from the anal verge and without external sphincter infiltration underwent conservative surgery. Surgery included total mesorectal excision with intersphincteric resection, that is, removal of the internal sphincter, to achieve adequate distal margin. Patients with T3 disease or internal sphincter infiltration received preoperative radiotherapy.

Results

Ninety-two patients with a tumor at 3 cm (range 1.5?C4.5) from the anal verge underwent conservative surgery. There was no mortality and morbidity was 27%. The rate of complete microscopic resection (R0) was 89%, with 98% negative distal margin and 89% negative circumferential margin. In 58 patients with a follow-up of more than 24 months, the rate of local recurrence was 2%, and the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 81% and 70%, respectively.

Conclusion

The technique of intersphincteric resection allows us to achieve conservative surgery in patients with a tumor close to or in the anal canal without compromising local control and survival. The distance of tumor from the anal verge is no longer a limit for sphincter-saving resection.     

Role of intersphincter resection among the surgical options for cancer of the distal rectum

The surgical treatment of low rectal cancer has yet to be standardised. The aims of the study were to define the curative role of intersphincteric resection and to evaluate its indications and functional results through a retrospective clinical experience. From 1988 to 2000, out of 783 operations for primary rectal cancers (resectability rate 96%; restorative resections 83% and APR 10%) an intersphincteric resection was performed in 48 patients (31 male, 17 female, average age 62) for tumours located at a mean distance of 4.5 cm from the anal verge. Clinical stage: 27 T3 (56.3%), 12 T2, 5 T4 and 4 T1. All the operations were rated R0. TME with N-S, endo-anal distal transection and manual colo-anal anastomosis with a protective stoma were systematically performed. The mean follow-up was 46 months (range: 12-80). Functional results were evaluated with a prospective standardised questionnaire. There was no hospital mortality (30 days). The total morbidity rate was 22% with anastomotic leakage (clinical or X-ray evidence) in 12.5%. Four anal stenoses needed dilatation. Only one local recurrence six years after operation (2.1%). Nine patients died of systemic metastases within 3 years of surgery; the others are still alive and disease-free. Minor faecal incontinence with frequency and urgency occurred in 68.7% of cases at 3 months after protective stoma closure and in 37.5% after 6 months. After one year continence was good in 85.4% of survivors. Only one case required a permanent stoma for poststenotic total incontinence. The best functional results were achieved by colonic pouch reconstruction. For selected low rectal cancers (T2/T3) without voluntary sphincter infiltration, intersphincteric resection is safe and effective for oncological and functional purposes. The procedure requires accuracy in dissecting the anorectal junction. Preoperative radiotherapy may increase the indications for intersphincteric resection as well as the availability of a disease-free margin. A manual colo-anal anastomosis with colonic pouch interposition is strongly recommended.     

Significance of inter-sphincter rectal resection with colo-anal anastomosis in deep seated rectal carcinoma

From October 1992 to December 1996, 204 patients with rectal cancer were treated with tumor resection. Of all carcinomas 94 were localised in the distal, 71 in the middle and 39 in the proximal third of the rectum. Curative resection could be achieved in 74% to 85% of the cases depending on tumor localisation. A local R0-resection (no residual tumor) was achieved in 92% to 100%, partly due to preoperative radiochemotherapy in cases of locally advanced cancer. The percentage of protective stoma application ranged from 25% of the total number of resections to 89% in those cases with intersphincteric rectal resection. The peri- and postoperative complications were thoroughly documented. The number of complications increased with the distal extent of rectal resection. The median follow up period was 24.5 months. Local tumor recurrence was observed in 6 cases (3.1%) independent of the tumor location. Distant metastasis was seen in 16% of all patients during the follow up period. 73% of all patients are still alive, 23% died of tumor related and 4% of non tumor related reasons. Complete postoperative stool continence was reported by 73% of all patients, 14% were incontinent for liquid stool and 13% were affected by total stool incontinence. Excluding those who underwent rectum extirpation, 39% of the patients had a stoma. The extent of stool continence was closely related to the operative procedure. With intersphincteric resection, complete stool continence could only be achieved in 40% of the patients whereas 18% were incontinent for liquid stool, 14% were completely incontinent and 29% had a stoma at the time of observation. The rate of local recurrence was not increased after intersphincteric resection.     

Magnetic resonance imaging predicts sphincter invasion of low rectal cancer and influences selection of operation

BACKGROUND: With the development of numerous sphincter-saving surgical techniques in the last 2 decades, the indication for abdominoperineal resection in radical-elective operations has been markedly reduced. The preoperative assessment of the extent of local tumor growth is essential for the planning of the optimal surgical procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved to be a reliable method for local staging of low rectal carcinoma. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of sphincter invasion in an unselected population with low rectal cancer. METHODS: From 1997 to 1999, 40 patients with histologically verified adenocarcinoma of the lower rectum (+/-5 cm above the linea dentata) without evidence of metastases underwent a MRI with a body coil (no anal endocoil). The MRI results were compared with the operative situs and with pathohistologic findings. RESULTS: An infiltration of the sphincter ani internus was observed in 11 cases (28%), and a combined infiltration of the sphincter ani internus and externus was found in 2 patients (5%). The median distance of the lower tumor edge to the upper border of the anal canal was 2.0 cm (range, 0-4.5 cm). No infiltration of the external sphincter was observed in patients with cancers above the anal canal. Nine patients (22%) were treated with intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis, 12 (30%) with ultralow resection, and 11 (28%) with low anterior resection of the rectum in conjunction with coloanal anastomosis or a stapled anastomosis. Eight (17%) of the patients were treated with abdominoperineal resection. CONCLUSION: An infiltration of the internal sphincter occurs only in 28% of low rectal cancers; an infiltration of the external anal sphincter is extremely rare and occurred only in patients with cancers located in the anal canal. Pelvic MRI offers a precise preoperative visualization of sphincter infiltration in patients with low rectal cancers and is therefore a valuable tool for planning of rectal surgery.     

Sphincter-saving surgery in low rectal cancer

A correct surgical approach to rectal cancer today has to make due allowance for both improved overall survival with local control of disease and preservation of the sphincter and urinary and genital functions. Increased understanding of the natural history, the importance of preoperative accurate staging and new surgical techniques may influence future treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to review and make a reappraisal of the role of sphincter-preserving surgery in the treatment of carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum. From January 1999 to June 2004, 63 consecutive total rectal resections were performed at our surgical department. Thirty-five of these patients, who underwent surgery for a primary adenocarcinoma of the distal rectum (3.5 to 8 cm from the anal verge), were reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative clinical assessment was based largely on T staging, tumor size, fixation and distance from the anal verge. Patient stratification, based on the definitive pathological report, was 3 Dukes' stage A (T1 N0), 21 stage B (T2 N0) and 11 stage C (T2-3-4 N+). The distance from the anal verge was > 5 cm in 30 patients and < 5 cm in 5. Sphincter-saving procedures were performed in 28/35 patients (80%); 7 (20%) had abdominoperineal resections of the rectum for very distal, locally extensive tumours or local recurrence (2 patients). The overall recurrence rate was 11.4%. Postoperative morbidity related to the procedures was low: anastomotic leakage occurred in 10.7% (3/28). Perfect continence was documented in 86.3%. The minimum follow-up time is 12 months. Our data, in agreement with the findings of other Authors, appear to bear out the validity of sphincter-saving procedures in the treatment of cancer of the lower third of the rectum. This approach is possible for the majority of patients. Functional results are good, using an accurate nerve-sparing technique, and may be improved by employing a colonic reservoir in selected cases.     

直肠癌术后直肠阴道瘘的危险因素分析

目的 探讨直肠癌术后直肠阴道瘘的危险因素与临床对策.方法 回顾分析1997～2008年1123例女性直肠癌手术患者的临床资料,应用SPSS软件对数据进行统计处理,采用X2检验.结果 34例(3.03%,34/1123)术后出现直肠阴道瘘.直肠阴道瘘发生与患者有无绝经、肿瘤距肛缘的距离、肿瘤位于直肠壁的部位、吻合方式密切相关(P<0.05),而与患者年龄、肿瘤T分期、术前放疗、预防性造口等无明显相关.34例患者中12例经保守治疗后自愈,余22例患者均在瘘后3月局部炎症消退后行修补术,在修补直肠阴道瘘的同时行近端肠造口使粪便转流.结论 直肠癌术后直肠阴道瘘与患者有无绝经、肿瘤距肛缘的距离、肿瘤位于直肠壁的部位、吻合方式密切相关.熟悉其病因,加强围手术前准备,选择正确的手术时机和手术方式可降低直肠阴道瘘的发生率.     

The influence of abdomino-peranal (intersphincteric) resection of lower third rectal carcinoma on the rates of sphincter preservation and locoregional recurrence

OBJECTIVE: The most extended form of rectal resection, representing the very last option for sphincter preservation is abdomino-peranal intersphincteric resection for tumours of the lower third which otherwise would not be resectable with preservation of the sphincter by an abdominal approach alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 476 patients with a carcinoma in the lower third of the rectum who underwent primary treatment for stage I-III disease by low anterior resection, abdomino-peranal (intersphincteric) resection or abdominoperineal excision between 1985 and 2001 were analysed. The time periods 1985-94 and 1995-2001 were compared. RESULTS: The rate of intersphincteric resections increased from 3% in 1985-94 to 27% in 1995-2001 while abdominoperineal excisions decreased. Postoperative complication rate was not increased in intersphincteric resections (25%) while postoperative mortality did not differ between the operative procedures. The overall 5-year-rate of locoregional recurrence decreased from 18% to 16%. In intersphincteric resections 14.2% of the patients treated with radiochemotherapy developed locoregional recurrence, while this rate was 46.5% (7/18) if adjuvant treatment was not administered (P = 0.0200). The cancer-related 5-year survival rate was not altered by intersphincteric resection. CONCLUSION: In carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum, the application of abdomino-peranal intersphincteric resection can reduce the need for rectal excision by 20%. Neo-/adjuvant radiochemotherapy is required to reduce locoregional recurrence to an acceptable level.     

经肛门括约肌间直肠切除结肠肛管吻合术作为超低位直肠癌保肛术的初步报告

目的 探讨经肛门括约肌间直肠切除结肠肛管吻合术（PIDCA)联合术前后放疗和化疗对超低位直肠癌保肛手术的治疗效果。方法从2002年6月到2004年10月,对19例患者施行该手术。男性11例,女性8例,平均年龄56岁(41-74岁)。肿瘤分期T,4例、T2 10例、T14例、L1例,肿瘤距离肛缘平均4．4cm(3．5-5．0cm)。经肛门在直视下从距离肿瘤下缘2cm全层切断直肠或肛门内括约肌,通过肛门内外括约肌间隙向上方游离直肠并与经腹完成的直肠游离汇合切除直肠及其系膜,经肛门行结肠肛管吻合,全部患者均未行预防性结肠或回肠造口。结果无手术死亡,吻合口瘘2例(10．5%)。随访时间为3～29个月,平均随访16个月,1例盆腔复发,复发率5．3％。术后肛门括约肌功能比较满意。结论对经过选择的距离肛缘≤5cm的超低位直肠癌结合术前后的盆腔放疗和化疗,PIDCA术是保留肛门括约肌功能较理想、安全的术式,有较好根治性治疗效果,术后肛门括约肌功能比较满意。     

Results of intersphincteric resection of the rectum with direct coloanal anastomosis for rectal carcinoma.

Between 1977 and 1987, 519 patients underwent operation for rectal carcinoma. Sixty-three patients underwent intersphincteric resection with direct coloanal anastomosis (CAA), and 77 had an abdominoperineal resection (APR). Curative surgery was achieved in 57 and 65 patients, respectively. Both groups were comparable regarding age, stage of tumors, and localization of tumors. During the mean period of 6.7 years (range: 3 to 13.6 years), all patients were examined according to a predefined follow-up plan. From those patients with curative surgery, 11% presented with pelvic recurrence and 33% with distant metastases after coloanal anastomosis; the rates of recurrence and distant metastases after APR were 17% and 35%, respectively. The corrected 5-year survival rates were 62% following CAA and 53% following APR. Eighty-five percent of the patients with CAA reported good functional results regarding anal continence. Our study demonstrates that the intersphincteric resection with CAA is a valuable surgical technique for rectal carcinoma with the benefit of preservation of continence. It is suitable for neoplasms with high- and medium-grade differentiation (G1 to G2) and a localization that allows a minimum distal clearence of 3 cm.     

经肛管括约肌间径路切除低位直肠癌保肛手术临床研究

目的探讨经肛门内外括约肌间径路切除超低位直肠癌保肛手术的安全可行性,并评价肿瘤根治效果及术后肛门功能。方法分析2000-2004年华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院经选择的经肛门内外括约肌间径路切除超低位直肠癌保肛手术病人42例的临床资料。结果腹部手术遵循TME原则,肛门手术在直视下距病灶下缘2cm切断直肠黏膜和肛门内括约肌,经括约肌间隙向上游离达肛管外括约肌环上方与腹部手术会合,近端结肠与肛管完成端端吻合。前瞻性随访术后病人肿瘤复发与肛门排便功能状况。37例病人完成手术,并发症包括发生急性肺栓塞并死亡1例,盆底肌肉出血1例,吻合口漏3例。36例病人获得随访,平均随访时间为40(24~60)个月。3例(8.33%)吻合口复发,其中1例死亡;1例同时肺、腹膜转移于术后24个月死亡;2例因肝转移分别于术后16、24个月死亡;1例腹腔内淋巴结、腹股沟淋巴结转移于术后16个月死亡。术后6个月肛门括约肌功能已比较满意。结论经肛门内外括约肌间径路切除术治疗超低位直肠癌的手术方法是一种可选择的安全性高、根治效果好的保肛术式。     

新辅助化放疗对局部进展期直肠癌低位前切除后吻合口愈合的影响

目的 探讨新辅助化放疗对局部进展期直肠癌低位前切除术后吻合13愈合的影响.方法 收集2001年5月至2007年8月的低位直肠癌(距肛缘≤6 cm)患者192例.全部病例均经术前化放疗.放疗40～46 Gy/20～23次,每周5次,每次2 Gy.放疗结束后休息六周.放疗同时进行化疗,口服卡培他滨1250 mg/(m~2·d),每日2次口服,直至手术.手术遵循TME原则进行.分析低位直肠癌术后吻合口漏发生情况.结果 全部病例完成术前化放疗.17例术前复查肿瘤完全消失(8.9%),未再进行手术治疗.手术前复查无一例发现肿瘤有进一步发展或转移.24例术后病理提示肿瘤完全消失,故肿瘤完全消失者共41例(21.4%).175例患者均按TME原则进行直肠癌根治术.保肛手术166例,保肛率为95.3%.其中低位直肠癌前切除术(LAR,双吻合器)134例,Parks术32例.腹会阴切除术6例.Hartmann术3例.在所有保肛患者中,发生吻合口漏9例,发生率为5.1%.LAR(双吻合器)术后发生吻合口漏6例,发生率为4.4%,其中直肠阴道漏4例.Parks术后吻合口漏3例,发生率为9.4%,其中直肠阴道漏1例.两组保肛手术吻合口漏发生率无显著差异(P＞0.05).吻合口漏发生时间为术后2～10 d,均经相应处理后获得良好结果 .结论 合理运用新辅助化放疗不会明显增加低位直肠癌术后吻合口漏的发生.     

肛门内括约肌切除套入式吻合保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌61例

目的探讨经腹经肛门行肛门内括约肌切除套入式吻合保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌的安全性和临床效果。方法回顾性分析北京军区北京总医院收治的61例超低位直肠癌（距肛缘4－5cm）患者接受经腹肛门内括约肌切除套入式吻合保肛术治疗的临床资料。结果61例患者中男34例,女27例;平均年龄56．7岁。癌灶下缘距肛缘4cm者21例,5cm者40例：病理诊断直肠腺癌55例,其中高分化者24例,中分化者29例,低分化者2例;腺瘤癌变6例;TNM分期：T1N0M0为36例,T2N0M0为23例,T3N1M0为2例。术后1-3个月排粪自控能力明显改善,6-12个月时肛门排粪控制功能基本恢复正常。术后发生吻合口瘘2例（3.3％）,吻合口狭窄3例（4．9％）。54例（88．5％）患者接受了术后随访,中位随访时间为6．2年。术后复发3例（5．6％）,5年生存率73．5％。结论肛门内括约肌切除套人式吻合保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌是一种安全、有效的保肛术式。     

Intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer: laparoscopic vs open surgery approach

Aim Laparoscopic sphincter‐saving surgery has been investigated for rectal cancer but not for tumours of the lower third. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer. Method From 1990 to 2007, patients with rectal tumour below 6 cm from the anal verge and treated by open or laparoscopic curative intersphincteric resection were included in a retrospective comparative study. Surgery included total mesorectal excision with internal sphincter excision and protected low coloanal anastomosis. Neoadjuvant treatment was given to patients with T3 or N+ tumours. Recurrence and survival were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the Logrank test. Function was assessed using the Wexner continence score. Results Intersphincteric resection was performed in 175 patients with low rectal cancer: 110 had laparoscopy and 65 had open surgery. The two groups were similar according to age, sex, body mass index, ASA score, tumour stage and preoperative radiotherapy. Postoperative mortality (zero) and morbidity (23%vs 28%; P = 0.410) were similar in both groups. There was no difference in 5‐year local recurrence (5%vs 2%; P = 0.349) and 5‐year disease‐free survival (70%vs 71%; P = 0.862). Function and continence scores (11 vs 12; P = 0.675) were similar in both groups. Conclusion Intersphincteric resection did not alter long‐term tumour control of low rectal cancer. The safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for intersphincteric resection are suggested by a similar short‐ and long‐term outcome as obtained by open surgery.     

Feasibility and functional outcome of laparoscopic intersphincteric rectal resection for ultra-low rectal cancer

Aim-Background

The Aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and analyze the functional outcome of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection (LISR) in ultra-low rectal cancer. The preservation of anal function following curative operations for low rectal cancer is becoming increasingly important. Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection of the rectum is the utmost sphincter saving operation for rectal cancer. The rectum is laparoscopically resected along with the internal anal sphincter, providing an adequate distal margin for even the ultra-low tumours of the rectum.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2012, nine patients, 2 with a T3 tumour that received preoperative chemoradiotherapy and 7 patients with a non-fixed T2 rectal adenocarcinoma, underwent LISR by a single surgeon. Preoperative tumour staging included endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS) and pelvic MRI. Patients with multiple distant metastases, tumour invasion into adjacent organs and invasion into the external anal sphincter and/or levator ani, were excluded from LISR. Covering ileostomy in seven patients was reversed with a satisfactory functional outcome in each case.

Results

All patients underwent LISR with curative intent. There was no postoperative mortality. Complications included anal stenosis, prolapse of the neorectum and pelvic hematoma. The overall quality of life and functional outcome were deemed satisfactory.

Conclusion

In selected patients, intersphincteric rectal resection may provide an acceptable functional outcome for ultra-low rectal cancer patients, without a permanent stoma.     

Importance of rectal extirpation for the therapy concept of low rectal cancers]

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of surgery of rectal carcinomas is to avoid a permanent colostomy by sphincter-sparing surgical procedures. A variety of different abdominoperineal resection rates is described in the literature. MATERIAL/METHOD: The study was performed in 2000 within the framework of a multicentric study including 282 hospitals.The purpose of the study was to document the quality of diagnosis and therapy for colorectal carcinomas.A total of 9477 patients were included in this study: 3402 suffering from a rectal carcinoma and 6075 suffering from a colon carcinoma. RESULTS: A total of 866 abdominoperineal resections was performed. This corresponds to an abdominoperineal resection rate of 27.4%. In 30.4% of all men and in 23.0% of all women an abdominoperineal resection was performed.Of all tumor patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection, 8.3% had a pT4 carcinoma and 57.5% a pT3 carcinoma.Adapted to the localization of the tumor in the rectum, i.e., the distance of the aboral tumor margin to the anal verge, the following abdominoperineal resection rates were found: <4 cm from the anal verge 84.6%, 4-7.9 cm 43.9%, 8-11.9 cm 5.8%, and 12-16 cm 0.5%.Intraoperative complications occurred in 11.8%, specific postoperative complications in 33.1%, and general postoperative complications in 27.4% of the patients.The postoperative lethality was 2.8%. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 21.7 days.Logistic regression identified the body mass index, gender, the distance of the carcinoma from the anal verge, and the T category as independent factors influencing the abdominoperineal resection rate. DISCUSSION: Despite an overall decrease in use, abdominoperineal resection will continue to play an important role for the surgical treatment of low rectal cancers in routine clinical practice in Germany.It will remain an individual decision for each patient whether the tumor and the patient allow sphincter preservation or whether abdominoperineal resection seems to be necessary.According to the results of the present study,a general definition of an abdominoperineal resection rate in an unselected group of patients should be viewed critically.     

Preoperative radiotherapy improves survival for patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for stage T3 low rectal cancers

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) on patients who undergo rectal resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) for stage T3 low rectal cancers. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Evidence for the value of PRT before rectal cancer surgery is weakened by variability in the use of TME. Many surgeons have concluded that PRT is unnecessary for small rectal tumors if TME is performed, but there are no prospective data to support this opinion. METHODS: Since 1980, 2,200 patients with rectal cancer have been enrolled in a prospective database. Of these, 259 underwent curative anterior or abdominoperineal resection with TME for pathologically confirmed T3 lesions within 8 cm of the anal verge. Patients were grouped by receiving PRT (n = 92) or not receiving PRT (n = 167). Five-year overall survival and 5-year local recurrence rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall survival was increased from 52% in patients not receiving PRT to 63% in those receiving PRT. PRT increased overall survival for node-negative patients from 58% to 82%, with no benefit for node-positive patients. There was no significant difference in local recurrence rates. When categorized by tumor size, there was no difference in overall survival or local recurrence for 0- to 2-cm tumors or those larger than 5 cm, but PRT increased overall survival from 50% to 72% for patients with 2- to 5-cm tumors. Similar results were observed for patients with tumors staged as T3 on preoperative endoluminal ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pT3 low rectal cancers undergoing resection with TME have an improved survival with PRT. The effect is most beneficial for patients with node-negative and 2- to 5-cm tumors, although this group may include larger and node-positive tumors that have been downstaged by PRT. PRT should be advocated for all patients with T3 rectal cancers less than 8 cm from the anal verge, even if the surgery includes a properly performed TME.     

低位直肠癌经腹括约肌间切除术后患者肛门功能的影响因素分析

目的：探讨经腹括约肌间切除（ISR）术后肛门功能情况及其影响因素。方法回顾性分析2005年1月至2012年12月福建医科大学附属协和医院结直肠外科同一组医师实施经腹ISR治疗的96例低位直肠癌患者临床和随访资料。采用Wexner排粪失禁评分评估肛门功能,并通过Cox比例风险模型分析肛门功能的影响因素。结果96例经腹ISR患者均完成Wexner评分量表的评估,平均随访时间32．7月,其中83例（86．5％）排粪控制良好（Wexner评分小于10分）。Wexner评分与术后随访时间呈线性负相关（r＝-0．078,P＝0．003）。单因素分析显示,肿瘤距肛缘距离（P＝0．043）、吻合口距肛缘（P＝0．001）及新辅助放化疗（P＝0．001）与术后肛门失禁有关。多因素分析显示,吻合口距肛缘小于2 cm（P＝0．020）和新辅助放化疗（P＝0．001）是经腹ISR术后排粪失禁的独立危险因素。结论经腹ISR术后多数患者肛门功能良好,吻合口距肛缘不足2 cm和新辅助放化疗是影响术后肛门功能的独立危险因素。