The nature of local recurrence after colorectal cancer resection

Objective Local recurrence (LR) after rectal cancer resection has long been regarded as a particular problem, its incidence having been high. This study aims to determine the reasons why. Method A prospective record was kept of all 887 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma referred to one surgeon between 1989 and 2000. Of these, 802 underwent major resection. They were followed up for 5 years or until death. Results There was no significant difference between LR rates throughout the colorectum (P = 0.74). LR was significantly related to tumour grade (P < 0.001) and to tumour stage (P < 0.001), but not to the need to resect involved adjacent structures (P = 0.08), nor, after restorative rectal resection, to the distal margin of clearance (P = 0.97). A difference became apparent between recurrence resulting from tumour left in or implanted into the operation field and tumour resulting from pre‐excision metastasis, here called, respectively, technique‐related (TLR) and pre‐excision metastatic (MLR) local recurrence. MLR was significantly related to tumour stage (P < 0.001), while TLR was not. Some TLR can be curatively excised. Conclusion Rectal LR is no more common than colonic LR. There may be practical merit in discriminating between TLR and MLR.