Prostatic invasion of rectal carcinoma: does transurethral surgery alter prognosis?

Two cases of colorectal carcinoma invading the prostate are presented. Each patient initially had an abdominoperineal resection for colorectal carcinoma followed by a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic disease. In both patients colonic carcinoma developed subsequently in their prostatic fossae. Pathogenesis of late tumor invasion into the prostate is reviewed and consideration given to a more conservative surgical approach.