| Abstract: | Nine local recurrences have been diagnosed in 38 patients with carcinoma of the rectum operated on with anterior resection using the EEA-stapling instrument. The characteristics of these recurrences have been compared with those of other authors, currently a total of 27 recurrences. The presence of a locally advanced growth with extramural spread, a distal location and a short margin of clearance seems to increase the risk of local recurrence, with often distressing symptoms. It is proposed that even if the EEA-stapler offers technical possibilities for anterior resection in these growths, this operation should be restricted to less advanced tumours. |
