Local recurrence of low rectal cancer after abdominoperineal and anterior resection.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the risk of local recurrence between two groups of patients with low rectal cancer treated by either abdominoperineal resection (APR) or anterior resection.

METHODS

From 1982 to 1992, 106 low rectal cancers (tumour situated 3-8 cm from the anal verge), of Dukes stage B and C were treated by curative surgery, 52 by APR and 54 by anterior resection. Mean follow-up was 60 months after APR and 50 months after anterior resection.

RESULTS

The local recurrence rate of low rectal cancer was 16 of 52 (31 per cent) after APR and 15 of 54 (28 per cent) after anterior resection. The risk of local recurrence in univariate and multivariate analysis was not associated with clinical and histological variables, nor with the type of intervention.

CONCLUSION

Sphincter-saving resection can be performed for low rectal cancer without an increased risk of local recurrence.