Total rectal resection and complete mesorectum excision followed by coloendoanal anastomosis as the optimal treatment for low rectal cancer: the experience of the National Cancer Institute of Milano.

BACKGROUND

At present, abdominoperineal resection remains the most diffuse method of treatment of very low rectal cancer. Today, we can avoid this method in some patients by using a sphincter-saving procedure.

METHODS

From March 1990 to January 1999, 273 consecutive total rectal resections and coloendoanal anastomoses were performed at our Institute; this study concerns 141 consecutive patients treated for a primary adenocarcinoma of the distal rectum, from 3.5 to 8 cm from the anal verge. Patient stratification, based on definitive pathological report, was 31 Dukes' stage A (T2N0), 44 stage B (T3N0), and 66 stage C (T2N+-T3N+).

RESULTS

Overall recurrence rate was 9.2%; postoperative morbidity attributable to the procedure was low. A perfect continence was documented in 61% of cases. The only pathological factor related to local recurrence rate is peritumoral lymphocytic reaction inside and around the tumor (P = .0005 and .031) independently from the number of metastatic lymph nodes, depth of fatty tissue infiltration, and lymphatic and venous neoplastic emboli. The minimum follow-up time is 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data, in accordance with other authors, seem to highlight the relevant role that a well-practiced surgery, together with accurate information on the spreading of this disease, has in achieving an optimal local control of cancer.