[Pelvic-peritoneal recurrences after amputation of the rectum for cancer. Report of 23 cases (author's transl)].

Of 79 patients surviving after amputation of the rectum for cancer, local and regional recurrences occurred in 23 cases, in 3 out of 4 of these during the 2-year period following operation. Only 3 patients survived. This illustrates the frequency and serious nature of these recurrent lesions. Based on their experience, the authors consider the risk of recurrence to be doubled if one of the following factors is present : patient under 60 years of age, cancer located in the lower rectum, tumour over 4 cm in diameter, stages B or C according to Dukes' classification, an anaplastic or colloid structure. Enzyme assay and computed tomography are unfortunately not determining factors for early diagnosis and effective therapy of pelvic-peritoneal recurrences. the authors suggest, therefore, though it was never employed in their own series, that pre-operative irradiation could be of value, in those patients that have a high risk of developing local or regional recurrences. The general use of this technique is not suggested because its known inconveniences.