Is palliative resection of the primary tumour, in the presence of advanced rectal cancer, a safe and useful technique for symptom control?

INTRODUCTION

At some time, every general surgeon will be faced with the task of trying to decide what to do with a patient who presents with rectal cancer and unresectable distant metastases. How safe is resectional surgery? What sort of palliation may be expected following resection of the primary tumour? In an attempt to answer these questions, the management and outcomes of all patients with rectal cancer and distant metastases, who were primarily referred to the colorectal unit at King Faisal Specialist Hospital were examined.

METHODS

All patients who underwent primary surgery for rectal cancer in the presence of metastatic disease were identified. The charts of these patients were examined and their morbidity, mortality and survival were determined.

RESULTS

Over an 8-year period 22 patients (average age 54 years) underwent rectal resectional surgery in the presence of metastatic disease. There were 13 men and nine women. The commonest complaint was rectal bleeding. All patients had chest radiographs. Pulmonary metastases were identified in four patients. Nineteen abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scans were performed and eight showed evidence of metastases. Skeletal radiographs in two patients showed evidence of bone metastasis. At operation, intraperitoneal metastases were found in 18 patients. Nine of these were not identified preoperatively. Six patients underwent abdomino-perineal resection, nine anterior resection and seven a Hartmann's procedure. Eight patients developed a significant postoperative complication and one died 42 days after surgery. The mean length of hospital stay was 18.6 days. Nine patients received preoperative radiotherapy. Four patients had palliative radiotherapy, two for bony, one for liver and one for peritoneal metastases. Patients were followed up for a mean of 1.1 years. During follow up, 11 returned to the emergency room on 24 occasions. Two patients required readmission. No patient had further rectal bleeding. The mean survival was 1.3 years.

CONCLUSION

Patients with rectal cancer and unresectable distant metastases can be successfully palliated by resection of the primary tumour with low morbidity and mortality. The early involvement of a palliative care team facilitates patient management and helps patients enjoy what remains of the rest of their lives at home, in comfort and with good symptom control.