Local recurrence after curative anterior resection for carcinoma of the rectum

From 1972 to 1985, 60 patients with rectal carcinoma underwent curative anterior resections. There was a local recurrence in three (5 per cent). Pelvic recurrence was seen in two patients and a there was suture line recurrence in one. The length of the distal margin of the normal bowel or lymph node involvement did not appear to be a significant determining factor of the local recurrence. As for the factor responsible for the recurrence, tumor implantation into the pelvic cavity or into the suture line was suspected. Care should be taken to avoid implantion of tumor cells during operative procedures. There were no local recurrences in patients with lower rectal carcinoma. This finding might be related to the selection of patients with carcinoma of stage I and II.     

The need for future surgical low rectal cancer studies

Optimal surgery remains the mainstay of best outcome for rectal cancer. The demonstration, during the 3rd Annual Pelican Surgical Workshop Symposium, of an abdomino‐perineal excision (APE) performed in the ‘Berlin position’, further added to the debate on optimal surgical technique. Much interest was created at the 1st Pelican symposium with the demonstration, by the Swedish surgeon Dr Torbjorn Holm, of a prone APE and the delivery of a ‘cylindrical’ specimen and the potential to reduce local recurrence using this approach. The high rates of local recurrence following APE and the discussions as to optimal technique have led to the development of a proposed MERCURY Study Group study to assess the benefit of a radical APE, with careful assessment of the impact that this operation may have on morbidity. A German study has also been proposed adopting the UK's multidisciplinary team approach. It aims at targeting preoperative chemoradiotherapy at those patients in whom a radical APE or total mesorectal excision is likely to result in an involved surgical resection margin. In this article we review the evidence for improving the surgical technique for low rectal cancer. We believe improvements may be best achieved through continued European prospective, multi‐centre, multidisciplinary studies.     

局部切除术治疗早期低位直肠癌的研究

目的探讨局部切除术治疗早期低位直肠癌的疗效。方法对比随机分组的39例局部切除（TAR组）与35例腹会阴联合切除（APR组）的早期低位直肠癌的治疗效果。术后平均随访6．3年。结果无围手术期死亡。TAR组的并发症发生率7．7％,低于APR组（28．6％）（P=0．030）。TAR组局部复发3例（7．7％）,APR组2例（5．7％）,P=0．786;TAR组远处转移2例（5．1％）,APR组1例（2．8％）,P=0．859;TAR组5年生存率89．5％,APR组91．3％,P=0．792,差异均无统计学意义。结论对于未累及肌层的早期低位直肠癌,局部切除术可以获得满意的肿瘤根治效果,同时患者能保留肛门括约功能而获得较高的生活质量。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the low rectum: defining the radiological anatomy

Low rectal cancer provides a particular surgical challenge of local tumour control and sphincter preservation. Histopathological studies have shown that an involved circumferential resection margin (CRM) and depth of extramural invasion are independent markers of poor prognosis and correlate with high local recurrence rates due to residual microscopic disease [ 1 ]. Recent data suggests that a CRM at risk of tumour involvement can be reliably seen on the pre‐operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with good correlation with the histological specimen [ 2 - 5 ]. In published series, low rectal cancers have a higher incidence of involved resection margins, with rates up to 30% for abdomino‐perineal excision (APE) vs 10% for low anterior resection (LAR) [ 6 - 9 ]. This has been attributed to narrow surgical planes deep within the pelvis as the mesorectum becomes narrowed and tapered, forming a bare muscle tube at the level of the anal sphincter complex. The challenge for the surgeon is to undertake careful removal of a cylinder of tissue beyond the rectal wall without perforating the tumour. An overall local recurrence rate of 10% after APE for all stages of rectal cancer has been reported and this low rate was attributed to the surgical technique that included a wide peri‐anal dissection and lateral division of the levator ani. The abdominal dissection was stopped above the tumour, taking care to avoid separation of the tumour from the levator ani to reduce the risk of inadvertent tumour cell spillage [ 8 ]. Therefore, rates of involved surgical margins from APE specimens may be reduced when a cuff of levators is taken compared with standard resection. In this review, we will discuss how MRI of the low rectum can aid in the staging and optimization of the best treatment strategy for low rectal cancer.     

中下段直肠癌术后局部复发的原因与预防

目的:探讨中下段直肠癌术后局部复发的原因与预防.方法:回顾性分析距肛缘8 cm以下的直肠癌147例手术治疗结果,对复发原因进行了分析.结果:术后复发者29例,复发时间为3～38个月,复发与病理类型,病期与术式选择有一定的关系.结论:根据不同病人的病理类型、病期及肿瘤的位置选用合适的术式,完整地切除直肠系膜及清除癌旁组织是提高临床疗效的重要条件.     

直肠癌术后局部复发的再治疗

目的　探讨直肠癌术后局部复发的原因及再手术的重要性。方法　回顾性分析 2 9例直肠癌术后局部复发病例 ,结合文献复习并进行讨论。结果　Dixon术后复发 17例 ,Miles术后复发 8例 ,经腹直肠切除结肠拉出术后复发 2例 ,经肛局部切除术后复发 2例 ;再手术中行Dixon术 3例 ,Miles术 14例 ,Hartmann术 5例 ,后盆腔脏器切除术 1例 ,全盆腔脏器切除术 2例 ,局部姑息治疗 4例。结论　保肛手术指征不能过度放宽 ;注重直肠癌围手术期综合治疗 ;对局部复发病例应采取积极的再治疗。     

Quality of life measures in Islamic rectal carcinoma patients receiving counselling

Aim This prospective study was conducted to compare changes in the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and religious practices of patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer. Method We prospectively followed 93 Muslim patients after surgery for colorectal carcinoma: abdominoperineal excision (APE, n = 50), sphincter‐saving resection (LAR, n = 22) or anterior resection including sigmoid colectomy (AR, n = 21). The HRQoL was measured pre‐ and postoperatively at 15–18 months with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) and a modified version of the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Fecal Incontinence questionnaire. Life standards, including religious practice, were measured using the Ankara University Life Standard Questionnaire. Results No difference was detected in any SF‐36 Health Survey HRQoL domain among the groups, although there were differences within groups before and after surgery. The ASCRS Fecal Incontinence questionnaire scales of lifestyle, coping/behaviour and depression/self‐perception were similar in the APE and AR groups and were significantly worse than in the AR group (P ≤ 0.004). The embarrassment scale was worse in the APE than in the LAR and AR groups (P < 0.001). Religious worship (praying alone, praying in mosques, fasting during Ramadan and purifying alms) was not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion HRQoL measured by the SF‐36 questionnaire and religious practices were not significantly different after APE compared with AR. Ostomy support and pre‐ and postoperative health‐related and religious counselling may have had beneficial effects.     

Local recurrence after abdomino-perineal resection

Objective  Local recurrence of rectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following curative resection. The published rates vary after abdomino-perineal resection (APR) from 5% to 47%. The aim of this study was to evaluate local recurrence following curative APR for low rectal cancer in our unit.
Method  The medical notes of patients treated between 1st January 1996 and 31st December 2000 were retrieved. Local recurrence was defined as the presence of tumour within the pelvis confirmed by clinical findings, pathological specimen or radiological reports. A curative resection was defined as excision of tumour in the absence of macroscopic metastatic disease and whose resection margins were greater than 1 mm circumferentially and 10 mm distally. Outcomes and survival were compared using Fisher's exact test and Kaplan–Meier method.
Results  Two hundred consecutive cases with a diagnosis of rectal cancer were identified of which 139 underwent a curative resection (69.5%). Of these 40 patients (28%) underwent APR with curative intent. Two patients (5%) developed local recurrence at 18 and 24 months respectively. The overall local recurrence rate for all curative rectal cancer surgery, in the same period was 2.6%. Eleven patients have died in the follow-up period of which nine were cancer-related deaths.
Conclusion  The local recurrence rates achieved with APR were not significantly different from those achieved with restorative operations. Tumours at the ano-rectal junction should not be dissected off the pelvic floor, but radically excised en bloc with the surrounding levator ani, as a cylinder, as originally described by Miles.     

Outcome of surgical treatment of isolated local recurrence after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: Isolated local recurrences after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma occur in 2% to 3% of cases. Today local recurrences can be detected at an early stage due to modern imaging techniques. It remains controversial whether an aggressive surgical approach to this problem can prolong survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 16 patients who were treated surgically at our institution for suspected isolated local renal cell carcinoma recurrence during the last 10 years. All patients had undergone extensive staging and had no evidence of distant metastases with the local recurrence. Surgical exploration confirmed carcinoma recurrence in 13 of the 16 cases and all 13 patients underwent complete resection of the local recurrence. Three patients were found to have had false-positive computerized tomography findings on surgical exploration. RESULTS: Mean time to recurrence was 45.5 months (range 7 to 224). Only 2 patients were symptomatic, while in 11 disease had been detected at routine followup. Mean size of the recurrent tumor was 5.92 cm. (range 2 to 10). All patients survived surgery without major complications. Of the patients 7 died of metastatic disease after a mean survival of 23.1 months (range 4 to 68) following recurrence removal and 6 are alive with a mean survival of 53.0 months (range 18 to 101) (p = 0.09). Time to recurrence after nephrectomy was significantly longer (p <0.05) and size of recurrence significantly smaller (p <0.04) in the patients still alive. In 1 surviving patient evidence of metastatic disease developed 9 months after surgery for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Careful followup after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma allows the diagnosis of small local recurrences before they become symptomatic in the majority of cases. Although most of these patients will eventually have and die of metastatic disease, an aggressive surgical approach is justified and can result in prolonged survival.     

Local recurrence of rectal cancer: a population-based cohort study of diagnosis, treatment and outcome

Aim Local recurrence is an important endpoint of rectal cancer treatment, but details of this form of treatment failure are less well described. The aim of this study was to acquire deeper knowledge of local recurrence regarding symptoms, diagnostic work‐up, clinical management, health‐care utilization and outcome. Method Of 671 patients with rectal cancer, 57 were diagnosed with local recurrence within 5 years after surgery. Their records were analysed. Results At diagnosis of local recurrence 49 (86%) of 57 patients were symptomatic and 40 (70%) were diagnosed between scheduled follow‐up visits. The predominant symptom was pain. Forty‐five of the 57 (79%) had a palpable tumour. Most were deemed incurable at presentation and 10 (18%) were operated on with curative intent. Five years after the initial rectal cancer surgery, two patients were alive, with one free of disease. Despite the need for multiple interventions, including surgery, only four out of 40 patients were classified as being well‐palliated in the terminal stage. Conclusion Follow‐up after rectal cancer surgery by annual clinical examination is not sufficient to detect local recurrence when it is asymptomatic. Local recurrence of rectal cancer is often associated with intractable symptoms. These patients require frequent interventions and can rarely be cured if diagnosed at an advanced stage. Strategies for early detection of local recurrence and the management thereof require improvement.     

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目的探讨中下段直肠癌根治性切除术后局部复发的危险因素。方法回顾性分析2001年12月至2003年7月广东省人民医院收治的行直肠系膜全切除的中下段直肠癌56例临床资料,采用病理大切片技术检测直肠系膜转移及环周切缘情况,分析其与局部复发的相关性,同时分析局部复发与临床病理特征的关系。结果中下段直肠癌根治性切除术后局部复发率为12.5%(7/56)。局部复发与肿瘤家族史(P=0.047)、血CEA水平(P=0.026)、癌性穿孔(P=0.004)、肿瘤分化程度(P=0.009)及脉管侵袭(P=0.001)密切相关。中下段直肠癌直肠系膜环周切缘阳性率为21.4%(12/56);环周切缘阳性的中下段直肠癌局部复发率为33.3%(4/12),明显高于环周切缘阴性的6.8%(3/44),两组差异有统计学意义(P=0.014)。中下段直肠癌直肠系膜转移率为64.3%(36/56);系膜转移阳性的中下段直肠癌局部复发率为16.7%(6/36),高于系膜转移阴性的5.0%(1/20),但两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.206)。结论肿瘤家族史、血CEA水平、癌性穿孔、肿瘤分化程度、脉管侵袭和环周切缘是中下段直肠癌根治性切除术后局部复发的重要因素。     

Is the circumferential resection margin a predictor of local recurrence after preoperative radiotherapy and optimal surgery for rectal carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: Circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement has been correlated with a high risk of developing local recurrence. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic significance of the CRM involvement after curative resection of rectal cancer in patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy where indicated. METHOD: All patients with rectal cancer treated in a regional central unit from 1996 to 2004 were identified. A surgical resection was performed on 257 patients, and in 229 of these this was assessed as potentially curative. The CRM was examined in all patients. A CRM of < or = 1 mm was considered positive. RESULTS: A positive margin was seen in 19 (8%) patients. At a median follow up of 40 months, only four (1.7%) patients had developed local recurrence, one of whom had a positive CRM. In the four patients the tumour was 5 cm or less from the anal verge. There were no significant differences regarding local recurrence and survival between CRM positive and negative tumours. CONCLUSION: Rectal cancer managed by combined radiochemotherapy and surgery resulted in a low positive CRM rate and a low local recurrence rate. An involved CRM was not a predictor of local recurrence.     

Survival and recurrence after low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer: The results of a long-term study with a review of the literature

Morbidity, survival, and recurrence in 203 patients treated with curative low anterior resection (LAR) were compared with those in 100 patients treated with curative abdominoperineal resection (APR). The overall 5-year survival figures for the total number of, LAR and APR patients were 75.6±5.7%, 79.8±6.4% and 67.7±9.6%, respectively. The prognosis for cancers situated low enough in the rectum to involve the anal canal was poor even when managed by APR, as evidenced by a low survival at 5 years of 59.0±9.6% and a high pelvic recurrence rate of 34%. For all except these tumors, LAR proved at least equal to, or better than APR as a curative surgical method for middle and low rectal cancers, on the basis of 5-year survival being 79.8±6.4% vs 78.7±5.2%, operative mortality being 1.5% vs 1.0%, morbidity being 39.4% vs 59.0%, and the incidence of pelvic recurrence being 8.9% vs 13.5%. When deciding upon the most appropriate surgical procedure for rectal cancer, especially for middle or low rectal lesions, the patient should not simply be condemned to a permanent colostomy. Thus, we first attempt LAR for every lesion except those which are very advanced or those with anal canal involvement, if technically feasible and suitable for the individual patient.     

直肠癌前切除术后局部复发的防治

目的：探讨直肠癌前切除术后局部复发的防治。方法：回顾性分析46例直肠癌前切除术后局部复发再手术患的临床特点、治疗方法及防治措施。结果：再次手术证实局部复发的病例中，吻合口复发7例，吻合口周围组织局部复发15例，直肠系膜复发24例，予手术切除27例，余19例无法切除。结论：局部复发与首次手术时未严格遵循无瘤操作原则、淋巴清扫不彻底、肠管切除不足、全直肠系膜切除不够等有关。把握好第一次手术术式的彻底性、完整性是防止局部复发的关键。     

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.