Abdominoperineal resection for recurrent cancer following anterior resection.

Cases are reviewed of 12 patients who had abdominoperineal resections for cancer recurrence subsequent to anterior resection. Although this procedure is technically more difficult, we experienced no mortality or significant morbidity, and the postoperative hospital stay was similar to that of patients who received an abdominoperineal resection as a primary procedure. Although we have no long-term cures, at least significant palliation can be achieved in selected patients who have no evidence of distant metastases.