Local excision of rectal tumours by transanal endoscopic microsurgery

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows locally complete excision of rectal tumours and provides an alternative to conventional surgery for benign tumours. However, its role in the curative treatment of invasive carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the morbidity and long-term results for rectal tumours excised by TEM. METHODS: Between February 1993 and January 2005, 200 patients underwent TEM for excision of adenomas (148) or carcinomas (52). The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 8 (range 1-16) cm. RESULTS: Mortality and morbidity rates were 0.5 and 14.0 per cent respectively. At a median follow-up of 33 (range 2-133) months, local recurrence had developed in 11 patients (7.6 per cent) with an adenoma. Histological examination of carcinomas revealed pathological tumour (pT) stage 1 in 31 patients, pT2 in 17 and pT3 in four. Immediate salvage surgery was performed in seven patients (13 per cent). At a median follow-up of 34 (range 1-102) months, eight patients (15 per cent) with carcinomas had developed local recurrence. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinomas were 76 and 65 per cent respectively. CONCLUSION: TEM is an appropriate surgical treatment option for benign rectal tumours. For carcinomas, it is oncologically safe provided that resection margins are clear, but strict patient selection is required.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a review

Rectal adenomas and cancers occur frequently. Small adenomas can be removed colonoscopically, whereas larger polyps are removed via conventional transanal excision. Owing to technical difficulties, adenomas of the mid- and upper rectum require radical resection. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was first designed as an alternative treatment for these lesions. However, since its development TEM has been also used for a variety of rectal lesions, including carcinoids, rectal prolapse and diverticula, early stage carcinomas and palliative resection of rectal cancers. The objective of this review is to describe the current status of TEM in the treatment of rectal lesions. Since the 1980s, TEM has advanced substantially. With low recurrence rates, it is the method of choice for resection of endoscopically unresectable adenomas. Some studies have shown benefits to its use in treating early T1 rectal cancers compared with radical surgery in select patients. However, for more advanced rectal cancers TEM should be considered palliative or experimental. This technique has also been shown to be safe for the treatment of other uncommon rectal tumours, such as carcinoids. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery may allow for new strategies in the treatment of rectal pathology where technical limitations of transanal techniques have limited endoluminal surgical innovations.     

Postoperative morbidity and recurrence after local excision of rectal adenomas and rectal cancer by transanal endoscopic microsurgery

OBJECTIVE: Tumours in the middle and upper part of the rectum are not easy accessible to local excision. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been recommended for excision of sessile adenomas in the middle and upper part of the rectum, and for small cancers in patients not fit for major surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative morbidity and local recurrence after TEM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients were treated by TEM in the period 1994-2001. The median age was 74 years. The indications for TEM were rectal adenoma in 72 patients and rectal cancer in 7 patients. The tumours were located within 18 cm from the dentate line, median 10 cm. There were performed 69 transmural and 10 mucosal excisions. Mean follow up was 24 months (range 1-95 months). Twenty (25%) patients died during the follow up period, two because of metastases and 18 of other causes. RESULTS: Seven patients had complications. Two (2.5%) patients had peroperative perforation in the intra-abdominal part of the rectum treated by laparotomy. Five (6%) patients had postoperative cardiopulmonal or surgical complications. Eight patients with benign pre-operative histopathological examination had cancer. The local recurrence rate (13%) was similar for adenomas and for carcinomas. CONCLUSION: TEM is a safe technique well tolerated also by high-risk patients, and should be the preferred method in patients with benign tumours in the middle and upper part of the rectum, and in selected cases of early rectal cancer. Benign pre-operative histology does not preclude malignancy and some patients may need further treatment for unexpected malignancy.     

经肛内镜微创外科治疗早期直肠癌的价值

目的:评价经肛内镜微创外科技术(transanal endoscopic microsurgery,TEM)治疗早期直肠癌的应用效果。方法:分析评价我院2005年5月至2009年5月所治疗的84例TEM手术的临床资料。结果:本研究84例病人的肿瘤直径中位值为2.1 cm,肿瘤下缘距齿状线平均距离(8.3±2.2)cm,肿瘤侵犯直肠周径范围(33.2±17.5)%。平均手术时间(70±43)min。平均住院日期6.8 d。无一例病人发生围手术期死亡,术后部分病人有短暂性大便失禁。所有病人的肿瘤切缘皆无瘤细胞残留。术后病理证实,85例中pT060例,pT119例,pT25例。直肠癌术前腔内超声分期符合率达86.9%。平均随访26个月,2例病人出现局部复发。结论:TEM手术创伤小、保留肛门括约肌、缩短住院时间;既可作为直肠宽基腺瘤和pT1期直肠癌的根治性手术,也可作为pT2直肠癌的姑息性治疗手段。     

Minimally invasive surgery of the rectum]

Low precision of transanal techniques, their limited area of application and high rate of complications of extensive surgical techniques led to the development of an endoscopic surgical system. Its main indication is the removal of broad based adenomas and early rectal cancers. Further indications are palliative excisions of advanced cancers. From July 1983 till December 1990 the endoscopic system has been employed on 233 patients. The total sum of operations raised to 251 cases due to recurrences and new tumour formations. The overall crude 5 year survival with merely local removal of rectal cancer was 67% for early rectal carcinoma patients and 75% for patients with pT2 carcinomas. Early postoperative complications consisted of 5 intraperitoneal perforations, 4 recto-vaginal fistulas and 4 haemorrhages (complication rate 5.2%). There were 2 postoperative deaths due to cardiopulmonary failure (clinical lethality 0.8%). The overall recurrence rate of adenomas was 4.9%. In accordance with the selection criterias of other authors, our selection criteria for curative local excisions of rectal cancers enclose tumour diameter less than 4 cm, pT1 carcinomas, low grade malignancy and tumour free margins of locally excised specimen.     

Limited indications for posterior rectotomy. Results of a series of 42 cases]

Forty-two mobile tumours on digital rectal examination were excised by posterior rectotomy: via a transsphincteric approach in 16 cases and via a pararectal suprasphincteric approach in 26 cases; 3 primary protective colostomies were performed. Nineteen tubulovillous adenomas and 23 carcinomas were excised. The excision included the entire thickness of the rectal wall in the form of resection-anastomosis (n = 10) or a disk resection (n = 32). This series consisted of 27 males and 15 females between the ages of 42 and 92 years (mean = 70 years). The definitive histology revealed 12 T1 tumours, 7 T2 tumours and 3 T3 tumours. There were two postoperative deaths. The remaining patients have a mean postoperative follow-up of 45 months. 2/16 (12.5%) local recurrences occurred in the group of tubulovillous adenomas and 2 local recurrences with distant metastases were observed in the carcinoma group, while 3 patients only developed distant metastases. The cancer-related mortality was 5/21 (23.89%). Disturbances of continence persisted in 6/29 surviving patients, 4 patients complained of urgent defecation, 1 of uncontrolled passage of gas and a single patient had persistent incontinence of liquid stools. Posterior rectotomy allows excision of extensive tubulovillous adenomas and local recurrences are less frequent than after transanal excision and are similar to the results obtained with transabdominal rectal resections. The operative mortality was lower than that of laparotomy. Posterior rectotomy allows adequate resection of localised carcinomas (T1) with no lymph node involvement. The statistical frequency of lymph node metastases in stage T2 and T3 tumours only justifies the use of this technique when the patient refuse colostomy, has an excessively high risk to undergo laparotomy or when the operation is purely designed to be palliative. The disturbances of continence observed were minor and only slightly disabling.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that was developed more than two decades ago to manage distal colorectal neoplasias. The aim of the current study was to present a prospective review of 7 years of experience in using this equipment. All patients undergoing TEM between 1999 and 2007 were prospectively evaluated. Patients underwent regular endoscopic follow up. Cumulative incidence probability analysis was used to calculate rates of recurrence. The study involved 232 patients, median age 68 years (interquartile range (IQR), 37–90). The median neoplasia area was 12 cm² (IQR, 6–25 cm²) and the median height above the anal verge was 9 cm (IQR, 3–17 cm). Histology indicated 128 adenomas, 52 carcinomas in situ, and 52 adenocarcinomas. The median postoperative stay was 1 day (IQR, 1–3 days). There was one (0.5%) unplanned return to theatre and no postoperative deaths. Sixteen patients (6.9%) underwent more radical surgical procedures following the identification of carcinoma in the resected specimen. During a median follow up of 4.2 years (IQR, 2.6–6.2 years), the 5‐year cumulative incidence for local recurrence for benign pathology was 3.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–6.7%, n = 180) and for cancers managed primarily by TEM excision it was 8.5% (95%CI: 1.4–23.9%, n = 36). TEM is an excellent treatment modality for benign rectal neoplasias of any size, and in any location. TEM is an oncologically inferior treatment for rectal cancer, however, when compared to more radical treatments. Its principal advantage in this setting is that it is associated with relatively minimal morbidity and mortality.     

Indications and results of transanal endoscopic microsurgery in the treatment of rectal tumours in a consecutive series of 52 patients

Introduction

The abdominal approach for the treatment of rectal tumours is associated with considerable morbidity. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a technical alternative, and less invasive than radical surgery, and thus, with a lower associated morbidity. Also, with the correct selection of patients, TEM shows similar oncological results to radical surgery. The objective of this study is to review our results with TEM and discuss its indications in the treatment of rectal tumours.

Patients and method

An observational, retrospective study with prospective collection of data conducted from June 2008 to January 2011. TEM indications were: benign rectal tumours non-resectable using colonoscopy; early malignant rectal tumours (T₁N₀M₀) with good prognostic factors: neoplastic tumours in more advanced stages in selected patients (high surgical risk, refused radical surgery or stoma and palliative care).

Results

A resection was performed using TEM on 52 patients (35 benign and 17 malignant tumours). The mean hospital stay was 4.9 days, with an associated morbidity of 15.3%. The R₀ resection in adenomas and carcinomas was 97.1% and 88.8% respectively. During a follow-up of 15 (3-31) months, one recurrence of an adenoma was observed which was re-operated on using TEM.

Conclusions

TEM is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of benign and selected early malignant rectal tumours, and is associated with a low morbidity. However, it is a therapeutic strategy based on a multidisciplinary team, basically with careful selection of patients, a validated technique and a strict follow-up protocol.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: local recurrence rate following resection of rectal cancer

Objective Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe and effective treatment for the excision of benign rectal adenomas. In recent years it has been used for the excision of malignant lesions, although its use in this context remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the local recurrence of rectal cancers following local excision by TEM. Method Forty‐two patients with rectal cancer were treated by TEM between 1998 and 2005. However, six patients went on to have immediate radical surgery and are excluded from the study. Of the remaining 36 the treatment intention was for cure in 16 (38.1%), compromise in 17 patients unfit for radical surgery (40.5%), and palliation in three (7.1%). Results The mean age of patients was 75 years (range 41–90). The mean lesion area was 15 cm² (range 0.8–42) and mean distance from the dentate line was 6.6 cm (range 0–11). The mean follow up was 34 months (range 4–94). During the follow‐up period there have been eight local recurrences (22%). The recurrence rates were 26% (6/23) for pT1, 22% (2/9) for pT2 and 0% (0/4) for pT3 lesions. The mean time to recurrence was 18.3 months (range 5–42). Conclusion Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe procedure with obvious advantages over radical procedures. However, in this study the local recurrence rate is high. The recurrence rate may be an acceptable compromise in elderly or medically unfit patients but is hard to justify for curative intent.     

直肠癌术后复发的诊断和治疗

直肠癌是我国常见的恶性肿瘤.全直肠系膜切除术(TME)和术前放疗的应用使局部复发率大大下降,但是局部复发率仍然高达11.3%.手术仍然是局部复发性直肠癌最有效的治疗手段.如果能根治性切除,患者的5年生存率将可以达到30%以上.但是由于扩大根治术风险大,并发症多,只有一部分患者能从中获益.通过各种术前检查,准确把握扩大根治术的适应证非常重要.对于不能切除的晚期复发性直肠癌,通过积极的综合治疗也可以改善症状、提高生活质量、延长生存期.本文就直肠癌术后复发的诊断和治疗作一综述.     

Cost analysis of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumours

OBJECTIVE: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for selected rectal neoplasms. We demonstrate that in addition to the recognized clinical benefits of the less invasive TEM approach, there are substantial economic benefits. METHOD: We reviewed our prospective database of patients undergoing TEM excision of a rectal lesion between July 1997 and December 2003. A cost analysis was undertaken, including procedural and related costs of TEM and compared with the relevant open procedures. RESULTS: 124 patients (80 men, 44 women) with a median age of 71.5 years underwent TEM excision of rectal lesions (52 cancers and 72 adenomas). The morbidity rate was 8% and mortality was zero. A controlled case series of 52 patients undergoing open resection for early rectal cancers with similar characteristics as above was compared in terms of clinical outcome. The morbidity rate in these patients was 29.5%. The cost analysis comparison was undertaken using National Health Service mean reference costs for major large intestinal surgery, Intensive care unit/high dependency unit and hospital accommodation for each procedure. The average cost of open resection was 4135 pound, vs 567 pound for TEM excision. Our total saving over the series was 525,576 pound. Although the initial capital cost of the TEM equipment is high at approximately 40,000 pound given the massive cost savings, these initial equipment costs are recovered within a rapid time frame. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that TEM is a safe and extremely cost-effective approach for excision of selected rectal tumours including rectal adenomas and early well differentiated rectal cancers (pTis & pT1).     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: risk factors for local recurrence of benign rectal adenomas

OBJECTIVE: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique for excision of selected benign and malignant rectal neoplasms. It is considered a safe and effective treatment but recurrence rates of 1-13% are reported for benign lesions. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for local recurrence of benign rectal lesions and to evaluate mortality and morbidity following TEM. METHOD: Data were prospectively collected from all patients undergoing TEM for benign adenomas from January 1998 to March 2005. The procedure was performed by a single surgeon and patients were regularly followed up. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six procedures were included, with a median patient age of 74 years (range 22-92 years). The mean lesion area was 16 cm(2) (range 0.3-150 cm(2)) and the median distance from the dentate line was 9 cm (range 0-17 cm). Immediate complications included bleeding (six) and acute urinary retention (six). There has been one (0.68%) procedure-related death. After a median follow up of 39 months (range 4-89 months) there have been seven recurrences (4.8%), recurring at a mean time of 23.3 months (range 5-48 months). Only microscopic involvement of the circumferential resection margin was found to be significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0.0059). Recurrence was not associated with age, size of lesion, previous treatment, severity of dysplasia or use of the harmonic scalpel. CONCLUSION: TEM is a safe and effective treatment for benign rectal adenomas. Circumferential resection margin involvement is associated with recurrence, which tends to occur late. Therefore extended follow up is recommended.     

A critical appraisal of endorectal ultrasound and transanal endoscopic microsurgery and decision-making in early rectal cancer

Aim Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for early rectal cancer (ERC) gives results similar to major surgery in selected cases. Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is an important part of the preoperative selection process. This study reports its accuracy and impact for patients entered on the UK TEM database. Method The UK TEM database comprises prospectively collected data on 494 patients. This data set was used to determine the prevalence of ERUS in preoperative staging and its accuracy by comparing preoperative T‐stage with definitive pathological staging following TEM. Results ERUS was performed in 165 of 494 patients who underwent TEM for rectal cancer. It inaccurately staged rectal cancer in 44.8% of tumours: 32.7% were understaged and 12.1% were overstaged. There was no significant difference in the depth of TEM excision or R1 rate between the patients who underwent ERUS before TEM and those who did not (P = 0.73). Conclusion The data show that ERUS is employed in a minority of patients with rectal cancers undergoing TEM in the UK and its accuracy in this ‘Real World’ practice is disappointing.     

Surgical technique and outcome of gasless video endoscopic transanal rectal tumour excision

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is unpopular because of its high cost and most surgeons' unfamiliarity with microscopic surgery. This report describes an experience with a modification of TEM, gasless video endoscopic transanal rectal tumour excision (gasless VTEM), which incorporates a standard laparoscopic video camera and requires no carbon dioxide insufflation system. METHODS: One hundred and one patients with 105 rectal tumours underwent gasless VTEM between 1993 and 2000.RESULTS: Histological examination revealed 18 adenomas, 75 carcinomas (Tis, 47; T1, 23; T2, five), 11 carcinoid tumours and one lymphoma. The median height above the dentate line and maximum tumour diameter was 5.0 (range 2-14) cm and 2.0 (range 0.4-8.0) cm respectively. The peritoneal cavity was opened intraoperatively in two patients. The median operating time was 53 (range 15-202) min. Bleeding, suture dehiscence and transient incontinence developed after operation in four patients. There was no operative death. Median hospital stay was 5 (range 1-21) days. Eleven patients with T1/T2 staging underwent subsequent radical resection. The median duration of follow-up was 52.3 months. One patient with a carcinoma developed a recurrence. CONCLUSION: Gasless VTEM is a feasible, safe and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of selected rectal adenomas and early carcinomas. The suggested modifications may make the procedure more widely available.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumors: experience at Korea’s National Cancer Center

Background

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive alternative to transanal excision, enabling complete local excision of selected benign or malignant rectal tumors. This study aimed to determine the surgical and oncologic results for rectal tumors excised by TEM.

Methods

From November 2001 to October 2007, 45 patients underwent TEM for excision of adenoma (13 patients), carcinoid tumor (6 patients), and carcinoma (26 patients). The patients included 27 men and 18 women with a median age of 52 years (range, 22–72 years).

Results

The median tumor distance from the anal verge was 7 cm (range, 3–15 cm), and the median tumor size was 17 mm (range, 2–60 mm). There was no procedure-related morbidity or mortality. However, one patient with rectal carcinoma died of lung cancer during the follow-up period. Of 13 patients with adenomas, 1 patient (7.7%, 1/13) experienced local recurrence 5 months after surgery. No recurrence occurred for six patients with carcinoid tumors. Histologic examination of the carcinomas showed pathologic tumor (pT) stage 0 (ypT0) in 2 patients, pT1 in 17 patients (including ypT1 in 1 patient), pT2 in 6 patients, and pT3 in 1 patient. Immediate salvage surgery was performed for five patients (19%, 5/26). During a median follow-up period of 37 months (range, 5–72 months), one patient (3.8%, 1/26) experienced local recurrence. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinoma were 96.2% and 88.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The TEM procedure is a safe and appropriate surgical treatment option for benign rectal tumors. With strict patient selection, it is oncologically safe for early-stage rectal carcinomas.     

Prognostic implications of circumferential location of distal rectal cancer

Aim This study evaluated the prognostic importance of circumferential tumour position of mid and low rectal cancers. Method All uT2, uT3 and uT4 tumours of the middle and lower rectum that underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) with curative intent between 1996 and 2006 were included. The predominant circumferential tumour position (anterior, posterior or circumferential) was defined on preoperative endorectal ultrasound examination (ERUS). The relationships between tumour position and other characteristics and recurrence were explored. Results Two hundred and five patients with distal rectal cancer were operated on for a uT2‐T4 tumour. Median follow up was 49 months. The location of the tumour was predominantly anterior, posterior or circumferential in 128, 49 and 27 patients, respectively. Anterior tumours were more likely to receive neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.016) and perioperative blood transfusion (P = 0.012). No significant differences were observed between circumferential position and pT or pN stage, circumferential resection margin involvement or mesorectal excision quality. Sixty‐three (30.7%) patients developed recurrence, which was local only in 16 (7.8%). Although tumours involving 360° of the rectal wall had a higher risk of local recurrence (P = 0.048), those with a predominant anterior or posterior position were not related to a higher risk of local or overall recurrence. Conclusion Anterior rectal tumours do not differ in pathological characteristics from posterior tumours, and their prognosis is no worse when circumferential resection is complete.     

An evaluation of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal adenoma and carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery was introduced in the early 1980s. Since then, increasing numbers of rectal adenomas are being excised by this technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate our institution's experience with transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal adenoma and carcinoma. METHODS: Seventy-five patients (adenomas, n = 58) underwent more than 90 TEM resections over a period of 5 years. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were minimal with 3% (n = 2) in the adenoma group requiring transfusion and 0% 30-day mortality. One patient in each group developed transient fecal incontinence. During the follow-up period, 6 patients (10%) in the adenoma group underwent further local resections for their recurrences. Two patients in the carcinoma group (1 each of pathological T1 and T2 stage) developed recurrence at 24 months. A female with a T2 tumor was found to have an inoperable lesion and underwent sigmoid colostomy. Five of 17 patients had postoperative radiotherapy, and 2 patients developed radiation enteritis. Four patients died during follow-up due to unrelated reasons. CONCLUSION: The transanal endoscopic microsurgery technique appears to be safe and associated with minimal morbidity. Careful selection of patients with thorough preoperative assessment is necessary for carcinoma patients. Patients with T1 lesions and favorable histology should only be considered for curative resection by this technique.     

Local excision of rectal tumors

Local excision is a suitable approach for treating sessile adenomas and early adenocarcinomas of the rectum. The indication for transmural rectal carcinomas (T2 and T3) is a matter of debate and no randomized studies have been reported to date. The early and long-term results of a consecutive series of 160 patients who underwent local excision in our departments are reported. Sixty-three patients (39%) had adenoma and 97 patients (61%) carcinoma. Forty-seven patients with carcinoma (48%) received adjuvant therapy. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients (15%). The complication rates were 13% (8/63) for adenomas and 18% (17/97) for carcinomas. Only 1 patient died during the postoperative period as a result of unrelated causes. The overall local recurrence rates were 3% and 24%, respectively. Among the adenocarcinomas recurrence was related to staging, tumour clearance at the resection margins and use of chemo- and radiotherapy. No recurrences were reported among the T2 patients submitted to neoadjuvant treatment. A difference versus radical surgery was observed for T3 patients only. Local excision and transanal endoscopic microsurgery in particular is worthwhile in adenomas and T1 carcinomas of the rectum. Patients with T2 tumors should be treated with preoperative chemo- and radiotherapy. Patients with T3 tumors should be treated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery for palliative purposes only.     

Is pre‐operative radiotherapy necessary in T1‐T3 rectal cancer with TME?

OBJECTIVE: The indications for pre-operative radiotherapy in rectal cancer are still unclear with the exception of T4 tumours. The aim of this study was to assess local and overall recurrence in patients with T1-T3 rectal cancers undergoing total mesorectal excision (TME). METHODS: Prospective data was collected from 150 patients with rectal cancer treated in one surgical centre between July 1997 and July 2002. One hundred and twenty-nine primary resections were carried of which 102 were with curative intent. Seventy-nine patients with T1-T3 tumours were included in the analysis. Nine had local resections and 70 underwent TME; 19 of the 70 patients were node positive and 51 were node negative. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 37 months (range 19-79 months) there were 3 (4.3%) isolated local recurrences. One node positive patient developed isolated local recurrence compared with 2 node negative patients. The node positive patient died from a myocardial infarction while the two node negative patients died as a consequence of local recurrence. Three (4.3%) of 70 patients developed systemic relapse all of whom were node positive. The cancer specific mortality rate over the same follow-up period was 3/19 for node positive patients and 2/51 for node negative patients. Of 9 patients who had local resections, none developed local recurrence or systemic relapse. CONCLUSIONS: With TME the rate of local recurrence in T1-T3 tumours is low. Our results do not support the use of pre-operative radiotherapy for these patients.